| Abstract | Several unconventional marine and aerodynamic propulsors are introduced. They are single oscillating foil biomechanical propulsor (SOFP), counterphase dual-foil oscillating propeller (CDOP), symmetric flapping foil propulsor (SFFP), surface piercing propeller (SPP), winglet or Kappel propeller, ducted-tip propeller (DTP), cyclic pitch propeller (CyPP) and auto pitch propeller. Practical applications of these propulsors are also discussed with their advantages for, respectively, underwater exploration vehicle/robot fish, micro air vehicle (MAV), underwater vehicle with high degree of maneuverability and low signature, fast surface boat (greater than 40 knots), energy efficient merchant ship, energy saving/low cavitation freighter, underwater vehicle of high maneuverability and speed, and low drag/load self-adjustable propeller for sailboat/underwater vehicle. The theory of operation, technical advantages and disadvantages are also discussed. In collaboration with high class scientists worldwide, the Institute for Marine Dynamics/National Research Council Canada has built both the physical and numerical modeling capabilities for the research and design of most of these innovative propulsion devices to meet the challenge of various marine operations in the 21st century. |
|---|
