Imagine a massive vessel cutting through the waves, traversing the vast ocean with ease. What powers such formidable movement? The answer lies in the seemingly simple yet technologically advanced ship propeller. More than just the heart of a vessel, propellers are a cornerstone of maritime propulsion, driving the evolution of global shipping. This article delves into the world of ship propellers, from basic concepts to specialized terminology and performance optimization.

Propellers: The Foundation of Marine Propulsion

Commonly referred to as marine propellers, these devices are typically screw-type propellers. Due to their simplicity and high efficiency, they are widely used in various vessel propulsion systems and are generally called "propellers."

Propellers are primarily categorized into fixed-pitch propellers (FPP) and controllable-pitch propellers (CPP). This article focuses on fixed-pitch propellers. Beyond propellers, marine propulsion systems also include azimuth thrusters, paddle wheels, and waterjet systems.

2.1 Key Propeller Terminology Explained

To understand propellers in depth, it's essential to grasp key technical terms. Below is an analysis of critical propeller components and parameters.

1) Propeller Diameter

The propeller diameter is the circle traced by the blade tips during one full rotation. It is calculated by measuring the distance (R) from the blade center to its furthest edge and doubling it (D = 2R).

2) Propeller Pitch

Pitch refers to the theoretical distance a propeller would advance in one revolution, analogous to a screw's thread. Though water movement complicates direct observation, the concept remains vital for design. Pitch distribution along the blade radius can be:

• Constant pitch: Uniform from root to tip.
• Decreasing pitch: Gradually reduces toward the tip.
• Increasing pitch: Gradually rises toward the tip.

For non-constant pitch propellers, the pitch at 0.7R (70% of the radius) is often the reference value.

3) Pitch Ratio

The ratio of pitch to diameter, a dimensionless parameter critical for geometric characterization.

4) Propeller Hub

The central component connecting the propeller to the shaft. For FPP and CPP designs, blades are typically bolted to the hub, which is often filled with grease to prevent corrosion.

5) Hub Diameter

The diameter of the hub where blades are mounted.

6) Hub Ratio

The ratio of hub diameter to propeller diameter. Lower ratios (0.16–0.20) generally improve efficiency.

7) Propeller Blades

The primary thrust-generating components. Blade profiles vary by vessel type:

• Bulbous bows: Common in cargo ships, tankers.
• Circular blades: Used in high-speed craft.
• Kaplan-type blades: Found in ducted tugboats.

Modern designs like highly skewed propellers reduce hull vibration.

8) Blade Geometry

Key blade features include:

• Tip/root: Outermost and hub-connected edges.
• Leading/trailing edges: Forward and rear edges relative to rotation.
• Face/back: Pressure surfaces during forward/reverse thrust.

9) Blade Sections and Dimensions

Blade cross-sections vary by speed requirements. Critical metrics:

• Chord length: Width of an unrolled blade section.
• Thickness: Tapers from root to tip, optimized for power and stress.
• Thickness ratio: Virtual thickness at the axis divided by diameter.

10) Area Metrics

Three key area definitions:

• Disk area: Total swept area (πD²/4).
• Projected area: Blade shadow perpendicular to the axis.
• Expanded/developed area: Unrolled blade surface (nearly identical).

Area ratios (projected/expanded/developed to disk area) quantify blade coverage.

11) Mean Blade Width

Calculated as developed area divided by blade length, normalized by diameter as the width ratio.

12) Blade Orientation

Key angular parameters:

• Rake: Tilt (typically 5°–12° aft) affecting tip clearance.
• Skew angle: Deviation of the blade centerline (≥25° in high-skew designs).
• Washback: Curvature of blade edges upward from the baseline.

13) Propeller Cap

A protective cover over the propeller nut, often filled with anticorrosive grease. In small propellers, it may double as the nut itself.