A method for predicting propeller-hull interaction, applicable to preliminary design of inland waterways ships

This paper presents a proposal of a parametric method for predicting the characteristics of wake fraction, w(x) and thrust deduction, t( ) x , of ship hull of the draught close to waterway depth. The method makes it possible to take into account an influence of low waterway depth in preliminary selecting propulsion system parameters of ships intended for operating in shallow waters, e.g. of inland waterways ships. The mathematical model of the problem was determined with taking into account the aspect of coding easiness of calculation algorithm to be applied to computer software useful in computer aided design. Application of the method was demonstrated with the use of the example characteristics of the passenger ship intended for operating in shallow waters on Berlin-Kaliningrad route, whose design was elaborated in the frame of the EU Eureka INCOWATRANS E!3065 project.