Ship Constructions II

Rudder
A Rudder is a device used to steer a ship and able to move from 35 degrees port to 35 degrees
starboard; rudders are characterized by their area, aspect ratio, and shape.

➢ Types of Rudders
Many of the rudders which are found on present day ships are categorized as:
semi balanced: They have a small proportion of their lateral area forward of the turning axis
(less than 20 percent).
Spade or Balanced rudders: They have larger area forward of the axis (25 to 30 percent).
un-balanced rudders: They have full area aft of the axis.

Flaps Rudder: is the most popular rudder type worldwide and is

derived from the first developments made by company founder
Willi Becker. His invention is the ultimate rudder solution
when it comes to ship maneuverability.

Pleuger Rudder: is a power assisted ship's rudder. It creates a flow of water in the direction the
rudder points powered by an auxiliary electric motor. This aids maneuverability at low speeds
greatly since it operates on a similar
principle to a thruster.

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 ➢ The Forces acting on the Radar

The force on the rudder depends on:

1. Area of the rudder 3. The speed of the ship
2. The form of rudder 4. The angle of helm
Force acting on the rudder, F = k A V²
where, k = Constant depending upon the shape of the rudder, water density, rudder angle.
It varies from 570 to 610.
A = Area of rudder in m² V = Speed of ship in m/s

F acts at a point M, measured from the leading edge of the rudder (where water flow first
touches rudder).
M = (0.195 + 0.305 sinθ) L
where, θ = Turning angle of rudder L = Width of the rudder

Questions
Why is the Rudder Angle Limited to 35 Degrees?
o Beyond 35-degree rudder efficiency is reduced due to formation of eddies on the back of
rudder as the flow is no longer streamlined. This is called stalled condition.
o The maneuverability does not increase beyond 35 degree, but rudder torque increases and
ship’s turning circle increases.

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Why are the Steering Test Rudder angle ranges from 35 degree to 30 degree?
o So that the point at which it is reached can be exactly judged as it crosses 30 degree.
o As hunting gear puts pump stroke to zero, the rudder movement slows down
progressively as it approaches 35 degree.

Why is the Astern Turning Moment much less than Ahead?

o The propeller thrust adds to the force on the rudder when going ahead, but in astern
that thrust is lost.
o The pivoting point (point about which ship turns) shifts aft to 1/3 rd the length from
aft. This reduces turning moment greatly.

What is the Pivoting Point for Ships?

o The ship turns about a point called pivoting point. This is situated about 1/3 to 1/6 of
the ship length from forward, depending on the ship design.

Why is the Torque on Rudder Stock more than that when going Astern?
o While moving astern, trailing edge of rudder becomes leading edge. Center of
pressure from turning axis increases.
o Flow of water to rudder is unobstructed causing point of action of force to go closer to
the leading edge, 0.31 times the width from leading edge.

Why is the Rudder situated Aft of the Ship?

o To make use of propeller wash for thrust.
o The pivoting point of ship is 1/6 to 1/3 rd. of length of ship from bow, the greater the
perpendicular distance between point of action of force and pivoting point, the better
rudder movement.
o Better protected astern from damages.
o Drag is reduced when rudder is situated aft.

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Why is Full Astern Power Usually Less than Full Ahead Power?
o The propeller blade section is designed for maximum efficiency in ahead.
o In astern direction, the angle of attack is high on the back of the blade.
o The propeller will absorb very little available power, where severe eddying occurs on
face; therefore, efficiency is very low.
o Hence, if 80% of full ahead power is available for astern, then boosting it to 100%
will have minimal return in thrust from propeller.

Construction of Rudder
1- Modern rudders are of streamlined form and are fabricated from steel plate, the plate
size being stiffened by internal webs. Where the rudder is fully fabricated, one side plate
is prepared, and the vertical and horizontal stiffening webs are welded to this plate.
2- The other plate often called the closing plate is then welded to the internal webs from
the exterior only. This may be achieved by welding, flap bars to the webs prior to fitting
the closing plate, and then slot welding the plate.
3- The upper face is formed into a usually horizontal flat palm, which acts as the coupling
point for the rudder stock.
4- A lifting hole is provided in the rudder to enable a vertical inline lift of a rudder when it
is being fitted or removed. This lifting hole takes the form of a short piece of tube welded
through the rudder with doubling at the side and closing plate.
5- A drain hole is provided at the bottom of the rudder to check for water entry when the
ship is examined in dry dock.
6- To prevent internal corrosion the interior surfaces are suitably coated, and in some
cases the rudder may be filled with inert plastic foam.
7- The rudder is tested when complete under a head of water 2.45 M above the top of
the rudder.