Flapping foil propulsors may increase the propulsive efficiency of large shipping vessels. This paper presents the design of a notional propulsor for an inland waterway vessel. Calculations for the trochoidal propulsor are performed using a lumped, two-dimensional model, which includes the influence of the free vortex wake, as well as approximations to account for three-dimensional effects. The numerical model is used to optimize the foil pitch function in order to achieve the highest efficiency for given geometric and operational parameters. Foil-to-foil interactions are studied for multiple-foil propulsors to determine effects of blade number on hydrodynamic efficiency. Considerations of packaging options for a trochoidal propulsor are explored. The results presented herein can also be applied to large- and mid-sized ships, such as international shipping vessels, fishing vessels, cruise liners, and military ships.

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