STG Symposium "Selected Topics on Strength, Vibrations and Noise"

NEW: Underwater noise radiation of fast craft: Comparison of different propulsion concepts and analysis of dominant mechanisms for noise radiation

Max Schuster, DW-ShipConsult GmbH, Schwentinental

Based the example of whale watch boats, four propulsion concepts were investigated in depth to characterize underwater radiated noise levels in a wide speed range. The individual boats were propelled by fixed pitch propellers with inboard or outboard engine, waterjet or surface piercing propeller. To identify dominant mechanisms of noise radiation, all underwater noise measurements were accompanied by simultaneous structure-borne noise and airborne noise measurements on board. This presentation summarizes the key findings how to reduce underwater noise by boat operation, what retrofit measures are effective and what to consider for newbuilds.