Experimental investigation of a highly skewed propeller in ice

Ice tank experiments done to investigate the interaction of a highly skewed propeller with ice are described. An introduction to propeller-ice interaction, the test setup, and the main results from the work are presented. The test matrix was designed to investigate the effect of variations in ice cut depth and advance ratio on propeller shaft thrust and torque. The results are discussed in terms of design strength requirements for highly skewed propellers operating in ice.