Experimental investigation of blade and propeller loads during straight ahead sailing

During operative scenarios, the propeller can experience an inflow substantially different from the one considered in the design phases and the 3D character of the flow gives onset to a complete system of loads. The quantification of these loads is of paramount importance to assess the reliability of mechanical structures, the comfort on-board due to vibrations and the effects on the dynamic response of the vessel. In this work, a novel set up that allows to monitor the loads developed by a single blade was implemented on a free running, self propelled maneuvering model with the aim to investigate in details the performance of the propeller during realistic operative conditions. This preliminary work introduces the experimental set up and provides a preliminary overview of the results relative to straight ahead motion.