Self-Propulsion tests

Abstract

Self-propulsion tests – In the self-propulsion test, the model is towed at speeds giving the same Froude number as for the full-scale ship. During the test, propeller thrust, torque and rate of propeller rotation are measured. In many cases, stock propellers are used which are selected in view of the similarity in diameter, pitch and blade area to full-scale propeller. Propulsion tests are performed to determine the power requirements, but also to supply wake and thrust deduction, and other input data (such as the wake field in the propeller plane) for the propeller design.