Module overview
Efficient propulsion is central to the performance, economics and environmental impact of modern ships. Understanding how vessels move through water and how propulsion systems convert power into useful thrust is critical to reducing fuel consumption, improving sustainability and meeting increasingly demanding industry expectations.
In this module, you will develop the analytical and practical skills needed to evaluate ship resistance and propulsive performance in calm water. You will learn to estimate resistance, select propulsion arrangements and design propellers to meet operational requirements. Laboratory work, tutorials and design-based activities will help you connect theoretical models with real engineering systems and develop confidence in interpreting experimental and analytical data.
By the end of the module, you will be able to assess calm water ship propulsion requirements and evaluate the performance of propulsion systems using established engineering methods. The module provides an important foundation for advanced study in ship performance, hydrodynamics and sustainable maritime design.
Linked modules
Pre requisites: FEEG1001 and FEEG1002 and FEEG1003 and FEEG1004
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use simple mathematical models, computational tools and empirical evidence to derive engineering estimates of physical quantities.
- Evaluate alternative models (e.g. analytical, computational, and physical) to determine the most appropriate for solving a specified engineering task.
- Use small-scale physical models to deduce full-scale quantities through a combination of testing and analysis based on first principles.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Select a main engine and analyse propeller engine matching.
- Estimate the components of propulsive efficiency.
- Identify the components of ship resistance.
- Design of a propeller for a given operation.
- Predict the delivered power of a ship or marine vehicle.
- Calculate the resistance of a ship or marine vehicle.
- Assess the operation of marine propulsion devices.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use your understanding of a marine propeller in order to carry out a simple propeller design.
- Apply your understanding of the physical components of ship resistance to estimate the resistance of a ship or marine vehicle.
- Apply your knowledge of the components of propulsive efficiency to estimate the delivered power of a ship or marine vehicle.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse the powering requirements of a ship or marine vehicle based on your understanding of the physical nature of the fluid flow around the vessel.
- Design propeller and select engine to fulfil the service requirements of ship or marine vehicle.
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1 In the course work assignments and exam paper questions, the students must demonstrate their ability and skills in applications of mathematical tools and physical laws underlining the breakdown of ship resistance components and the developments of the scaling procedures for the full scale ship resistance from the model test data. C2 In propeller design process in the course work assignment and exam questions, the students need to analyse the given question and, based on their understanding of the propeller charts, derive a set of suitable propeller parameters for given propeller working condition. C3/M3 To complete the power estimation and propeller design assignment, the students need to select appropriate data sets and solution methods available from the design software and carry out the necessary calculations and then discuss the related outcome from the software tools. C5 In individual propeller design assignment, the ship particulars and associated parameters are given and the students must derive suitable propeller work condition parameters taking consideration for both cavitation and efficiency using design software. The analysis at off-design working performance is also required. C12/M12 The resistance lab requires the students to make use of the state-of-art towing tank and associated data acquisition system to obtain data for the scaled model of a ship and the outcome is submitted for assessment in a group report. C13 For the resistance lab, the students need to undertake the model set up process and the calibration of the data acquisition system. During the lab, the multiple speed runs are conducted and the students need to process the data and discuss the associated errors. C16 The resistance lab is carried out in groups of 3 or 4 students and the assessment is via a group report. By completion of lab running and report production, the students demonstrate how they have worked effectively as individuals as well as a member of a team.
Syllabus
General introduction to ship resistance and propulsion and definitions.
• Physical components of ship resistance.
• Dimensional analysis and scaling.
• Practical scaling methods: CT = CF + CR and CT = (1+k) CF + CW
• Systems of coefficients used in ship powering.
• Boundary layer and friction.
• Flat plate friction formulae: Froude, Schoenherr and I.T.T.C.
• Geosim series: description and applications.
• Wave resistance: general principles: wave system interference and cancellation.
• Standard series data: Taylor-Gertler, BSRA series - description and applications; references to other series.
• Regression analysis techniques: discussion and references.
• General survey of propulsion devices.
• Definitions and brief description of the components of propulsive efficiency.
• Marine propeller geometry and design parameters.
• Dimensional analysis and propeller coefficients.
• Standard series propeller design charts:KT-KQ; description, applications and examples.
• Cavitation: outline of origins and effects; preliminary cavitation criterion and choice of blade area ratio.
• The analysis of wake: self-propulsion tests and derivation of wT, t, nR and QPC.
• Overview of main engine selection considerations.
• Introduction to ship power train components. Stern tubes, shafts, bearings.
• Propeller engine matching.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
• Lectures, tutorials,
• Two labs in towing tank
• One ship powering assignment
Learning activities include
• Self-learning through reading and study
• Directed problem solving exercises
• Ship resistance experiment in a towing tank
• Propeller open water test in a towing tank
• Report writing for the labs and course work assignment
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 65 |
| Completion of assessment task | 12 |
| Follow-up work | 6 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 6 |
| Lecture | 35 |
| Tutorial | 7 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 6 |
| Total study time | 137 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 30% |
| Final Assessment | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External