Rudder-Propeller-Hull Interaction: The Results of Some Recent Research, In-Service Problems and their Solutions

The paper describes some recent rudder research that has been carried out by Lloyd’s Register that underlines the importance of rudder-propeller-hull interaction in design, both in terms of the flow field properties around the rudder and also the implications for the rudder’s contribution to the overall propulsion efficiency. Within this consideration both conventional and variable geometry rudder forms are discussed. Additionally, some recent rudder based problems for a variety of ship types are discussed within the paper together with the lessons learnt. The paper is based on the results of sea trials, computational fluid dynamics studies and model tests and gives recommendations for the alleviation of such problems in the future