Tests of propellers for Alvin side propulsion units

Abstract

Full scale dynamometer tests were run on a series of unshrouded propellers in the range of propeller diameters considered practical for use on the side propulsion units of the research submarine ALVIN. Measurements taken included static thrust, torque, and RPM for various values of hydraulic power input to the driving motor. In other tests, propellers having 14 inch diameter and 20 inch pitch (the present ALVIN configuration) were compared for static thrust as follows: conventional blade shape, unshrouded; conventional blade shape in ALVIN flow-accelerating nozzle unit; square-ended blades in ALVIN nozzle unit. Recommendations are given concerning the proposed new ALVIN side propulsion units.