A new propeller hub shape greatly reduces the risk of cavitation, which might occur in demanding, high-load applications.
Schottel has further optimised the concept of its 5-bladed controllable pitch propeller (SCP) with the new generation CP hub featuring a blade foot with decreased exposure to cavitation.
The new hub features a full-feathering mode in which the propeller blades are set parallel to the flow to minimise drag resistance.
This leads to further optimised propulsion efficiency and reduced fuel consumption as well as lower maintenance costs.
Optimised hydrodynamics
Intensive model tests have verified the optimised hydrodynamics achieved by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). At Schottel, CFD is an integral part of the hydrodynamic design process and used to simulate and analyse a wide range of different applications.
With Schottel’s SCP, the pitch of the propeller blades can be adjusted for manoeuvring and in changing operating conditions. In this way, customers benefit from a high degree of efficiency and low noise generation. A robust design keeps maintenance requirements to a minimum and ensures a long service lifetime.
The propellers are optimally suited for higher speeds and thus for use in such vessels as military ships or yachts, which require high power density, low pressure pulses and minimal noise generation.
The controllable pitch propellers with the new hub have already been delivered and will soon be used in military vessels.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
