| Recent extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) work have led to an improved Schilling® Rudder profile. The CFD research was part of the development of the new Schilling® KSR and Schilling® Navigator Rudder systems. The improved profile enhances the advantages of the Schilling® design:
- Reduced drag at full scale
- Preserves the already excellent lift characteristics
- Moves the main thickness of the section aft to house the KSR bearing
All calculations were performed at full scale and proved a rudder drag reduction at normal cruising helm angles by approx. 25%, with the lift (side force) identical to the original section. A new concave streamlined fishtail is incorporated, which improves the flow separation characteristics compared to previous fishtail designs. Also, the main thickness of the section has been moved further aft, eliminating the requirement for additional strength ‘bulges’ for faster vessels and/or cases with highly loaded propellers. Further research work with particular emphasis on the leading edge performance under heavy propeller load resulted in an optimised profile. The detailed end-plate optimisations are carried out individually to suit particular operational scenarios.
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