The latest research developments covering aspects of ship powering prediction and the performance of ‘unconventional propulsors’ are highlighted in Marine Powering Prediction and Propulsors, now available from the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). Written by Neil Bose, Professor of Maritime Hydrodynamics and Manager of the Australian Maritime Hydrodynamics Research Centre at the University of Tasmania, this new book includes descriptions of propeller-ice interaction, oscillating propellers, surface piercing propellers and wind propulsion.

The methods for initial propulsive calculations of, for example, surface piercing propellers and oscillating propellers have not, to the author’s knowledge, been presented in book format previously. The ship resistance problem is approached from the point of view of powering prediction. Model testing, including resistance, propulsor open water and self propulsion load varying tests, are described together with model to ship extrapolation methods. Methods of ship powering extrapolation using data from self propulsion load-varying tests only are described. These are used in practice by many ship model basins, but they are not explained in detail in most currently available books.

The book also takes a unique look at the operation and design of propulsors other than conventional fixed pitch marine screw propellers, including water jets, cycloidal propellers, ducted propellers, podded propulsors, surface piercing propellers, oscillating propellers and wind turbine propulsion.