Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents an optimal bearing arrangement for the propulsion shafting system of ships equipped with multiple strut bearings, ensuring both structural stability and cost-effectiveness under shallow-draft conditions where the propeller must remain fully submerged. To this end, the shafting flexibility, alignment characteristics, and critical whirling speed were analyzed for various bearing arrangements. The analysis results show that removing the stern tube bearing and supporting the shaft using only the Y-type and I-type strut bearings, with the bearing span adjusted so that the L/d ratio remains within 15 to 18, minimizes the reaction influence number, shaft bending moments, and variations in bearing loads. At this configuration, the first natural frequency corresponding to the propeller blade order is also more than 30 percent higher than the service speed, thereby avoiding resonance caused by transverse vibration. Accordingly, this study confirms that adjusting the layout of strut bearings can simultaneously enhance both the structural reliability and dynamic stability of the propulsion shafting system.
DOI: 10.3390/jmse13122301
Authors: Jimin Lee, Yanggon Kim
Institution: Mokpo National Maritime University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Award: G2746887493
OpenAlex ID: W4416958532