Propulsion specialists make University partnership
The National Oceanography Research Centre is a joint venture between the University of Southampton and the Natural Environment Research Council.
Propeller and sterngear manufacturer CJR Propulsion has announced the start of a long term partnership with the University of Southampton, to develop accurate design tools to optimise propeller and sterngear technology for improved performance, fuel efficiency, longevity and reduced vibration.
Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), CJR and the University aim to analyse and solve problems relating to fluid flows, using numerical methods and algorithms to perform the complex calculations required to simulate the interaction between hull appendages and the water. Southampton based CJR Propulsion designs and manufactures shafts, propellers, rudders and other associated sterngear
Mark Russell, CJR's managing director said, ‘We have invested heavily in advanced technology and recognise the importance of steering the industry towards a more scientific approach to hull and associated appendage design. We also see the potentially significant commercial gains which can be made through having a better understanding of the underwater environment.’
The joint venture will utilise the part government funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme, which offers post-graduate students the opportunity to gain real world experience, whilst delivering commercial value back into the private sector.
The project is now firmly underway and impressive results appear to already be in the pipeline. Post-graduate student Simon Lewis explained, ‘From our first project, we have gained a far better understanding of the stresses hull appendages have to face below the waterline. This enhanced understanding of the flow around the hull and appendages allows us to significantly reduce the appendage drag, which contributes between 10% to 15% of the overall drag of the craft. That sort of improvement could equate to around a two knot increase in cruise speed of high speed craft. It's results such as these which show the true potential CFD has in the marine environment.’
The University of Southampton actively seeks to engage with marine companies. The diverse range of marine expertise ranging from engineering disciplines such as ship design and naval architecture, fluid dynamics and acoustics, oceanography and earth sciences through to ocean related literary and historical research, maritime law and archaeology, means that the University is well placed to help tackle technical and environmental marine industry challenges.
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