Thrust sensor implementation into azimuthing propulsion system for Towing Tank model tests: Master's thesis

The primary goal of the present Master’s thesis was to develop a thrust sensor that is located at the propeller shaft. The purpose of adding a thrust sensor into the propeller shaft was to have an easy way to measure the propeller thrust against the thrust along the centerline of the ship model. The secondary objective was to create an ice propeller and pod housing for the developed sensor as 3D printing.
The thesis discusses the rules and regulations of the International Towing Tank conference about how the tests should be conducted with a special focus on calibration methods. The thrust sensor was developed mechanically and the development process included four iteration rounds. During each iteration, the properties of the sensor were improved and the design became more practical. A test bench with a reference thrust and a torque sensor was developed for the preliminary tests. The test bench allowed adding thrust and torque load into the thrust sensor.
The results showed that that there were some elements of uncertainty in the sensor when measured in the test bench. In open water tests, the propeller axis thrust sensor performed as predicted. The sensor results were in line with the measured values of the whole unit and the comparison against the simulation result produced similar results as well. The 3D printed propeller and pod housing for the sensor were able to handle the used loads and the open water tests were run successfully using the printed parts.