1. Academic Proposing the Project

1 Academic Proposing the Project Dr Mike Riley (with Prof. Bickerton supporting)

2 Stream Mechanical Engineering with CFD ( possibly FEA for design strength)

Note that due to on water testing candidates will need a minimum of Power Boat 1 licences from RYA /RNLI.

3 Title CFD optimisation of high efficiency propeller designs

Data from previous propeller design

4 Industry Collaboration SHD composites as potential for the supply of carbon fibre material

Hindles of Lincoln & MTAG as potential partners in manufacture 3D printing of designs

Siemens as sponsor

5 Synopsis (max 1 pages/500 words – students will read this)

5.1 Introduction This should include a general outline of the project, briefly describing the style of the project and the content of the output. Highlight the significance and application of the end product.

This work is a follow on from the recent “world water speed record attempt with Guy Martin” project where the optimum design of water propeller was not completed. From this project a number of design iterations need to be considered and one of the more radical was the use of highly skewed blages possibly with tip forms or thin nozzle as part of the very lightweight low drag hydrofoil frame including steering. In order to obtain maximum thrust at best efficiency CFD optimisation of designs together with bath tub and in hull testing (with electric drive for instrumentation o power input) .

During the Guy Martin project the University team were placed in competition with an professionally built boat by Arrdvark Technologies based on their “Mighty Moth” design but with an air propeller from Hercules Industries.. Aardvark technologies have 10 years experience in hydroplane & propeller design. Their super phoenix design however incorporates a contra- rotating propeller design 5.2 Research Questions The key questions that are to be answered.

Performance of a dihedral inverted winglet for lift and drag at low speeds

Statement of Requirement (SoR)

Weight to be minimised. Density to be less than 1kg/m^3

Thrust characteristics greater than 40N at 10m/s water speed

Efficiency > 85% @ 10 m/s

Strength of design capable withstanding 80N load and potential impact with weed or other objects

5.3 Suggested reading to start off the project Indicative texts to begin research.

Internet has numerous notes of propeller designs

Project library (now in University library) has procured a number of books and articles on this subject.

5.4 Methodology Review of current designs and literature.

Design of test rig for use on open water possibly with electric drive for ease of power measurement thrust, and overall efficiency.

(Note here that we can continue to use Burton Waters and their day boats plus the use of the two twin hull boats from the previous project)

5.5 Expected results Design and possibly build of frame and drive for testing validation of CFD & FEA results

5.6 Research outcomes Typically: Enhanced knowledge of high efficiency propeller design Blade and drive line manufacture for testing and possible further world record attempt.  Case study for next year students  Conference paper  Material for a small grant application for possible manufacture via SHD & MTAG