NONLINEAR MODEL IDENTIFICATION OF A MARINE PROPELLER OVER FOUR-QUADRANT OPERATIONS

Abstract This paper proposes a nonlinear dynamics model for a marine propeller able to reproduce the propeller thrust over the full four-quadrant range of propeller shaft speed and vessel speed. A two-state model has been identified from experimental data. The model includes a state equation for the propeller shaft speed and one that describes the dynamics of the axial flow velocity. The model reproduces accurately propeller thrust and torque over a wide range of operation.