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PUSHING BOUNDARIES

SURFACE PIERCING PROPELLERS

Designed to break the water’s surface while a vessel is underway, surface-piercing propellers increase efficiency through reduced drag which results in higher overall speed, quicker acceleration and a better payload-to-power ratio. They are also suitable for navigating shallow waters.

PROCESS

Rolla’s expertise in surface-piercing propeller design is unparalleled, thanks to our proprietary CFD software, extensive tunnel testing, and a vast database of successful applications. By combining insights from tunnel tests with advanced CFD simulations, we meticulously analyze lateral, vertical, and horizontal thrusts alongside various diameter and pitch options to craft the optimum propeller for each surface-piercing application. Our systematic approach, based on tunnel testing data, enables us to calculate torque-thrust coefficients, efficiency, and horizontal-vertical force figures for different shaft angles and propeller immersions, ensuring peak performance and reliability in diverse operating conditions.

Specifications

Surface piercing propellers are manufactured in NiBrAl up to 60″ diameter with a power range from 500 Hp up to 5500 Hp and in Stainless Steel – Duplex or 17.4PH – up to 28″ diameter with a power range from 250 Hp up to 1500 Hp. 

CFD Analysis

Rolla is at the forefront of developing advanced tools to analyze the flow dynamics around partially submerged propellers. Our ongoing research focuses on capturing intricate details of the flow as the blade enters and exits the water, optimizing thrust, torque, and secondary forces while minimizing vibrations and structural damage. Through our CFD simulations, we visualize key physical quantities such as pressure, vorticity, and cavitation over the propeller surface and its surrounding field, providing invaluable insights to further enhance propeller performance and reliability.

 

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