Development of A Marine Propulsion System for Shallow-water Icebreaker

Shallow Arctic waters present unique challenges for icebreaker design. A medium-to-large icebreaker intended for these environments will need to balance icebreaking capability with shallow-draft constraints, ensuring safe operation in shallow and deep waters. This project will address the key performance challenges in propulsion.

The demand for the propulsion systems would be high in ice-covered shallow waters. Propellers can experience violent impacts with ice blocks, leading to damage or jamming of the blades. In shallow depths, conventional large-diameter propellers are not feasible, i.e., the icebreaker must use smaller propellers to avoid grounding, which can limit thrust. In heavy brash ice, propulsive efficiency drops as the propellers re-circulate a mush of ice and water. The challenge is to design a propulsion solution that provides high power and high maneuverability in ice, is protected against ice impact, and still operates efficiently in open water.

Research will be carried out to explore effective solutions to address the propulsion challenges in ice-infested shallow while considering the leverage of propulsion system for ice clearing. The intern will be involved in the design and evaluation of propulsors by carrying out numerical studies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Wei Qiu

Student:

Partner:

Kobe University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Transportation (excluding aerospace)

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: