| dc.description.abstract | A Paddle wheel was the first device ever used to propel ships using steam engines as their primary source of power. Yet very little scientific study and assessment of this technology has ever been carried out. The aim of this thesis is to gain a better understanding of the physics by which a paddle wheel generates thrust, as well as to study the overall performance of this method of propulsion.
To do this, after a careful review of the existing literature on the subject, several numerical models, of varying levels of complexity ranging from a simple momentum theory analysis, to a full Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of the flow, have been called upon to illustrate how certain parameters influence the performance of a paddle wheel.
Also, throughout this thesis, an extensive comparison of the classic radial paddle wheel and the more advanced feathered paddle wheel, which enables each blade to be angled differently during the course of it's rotation, is carried out.
To do this, a geometrical method of analysing the motions of feathered paddle wheels, is put into place, and implemented in several softwares. Detailed guidelines of this challenging procedure are given.
Finally, having gained good enough insights on the inner-workings of paddle wheels, several attempts are made to further improve the already high efficiency of such devices. And based on the findings of this thesis, recommendations are given for future works, and a non-comprehensive list of possible applications for this technology is given.
This thesis presupposes that the readers have some familiarity with the concepts of advance ratio, torque, thrust coefficients and efficiency which are common concepts used to describe propulsion methods such as screw-propellers. Knowledge of thin airfoil theory is also recommended. Also, although a brief summary is given, knowledge of numerical methods is certainly advantageous. | en |
