The Axiom propeller is a unique 3 bladed propeller and it enables to generate the same amount of thrust going ahead as it does going astern because of its ‘s’ type skew-symmetric blade section. A earlier variant of the design (Axiom I propeller) performed a low propeller efficiency, maximum 35 % efficiency, and further blade outline design was carried out to achieve a higher efficiency. The optimized new blade outline (Axiom II propeller) has more conventional Kaplan geometry shape than Axiom I propeller. Model tests of open water performance and propeller cavitation for both propellers were conducted at Emerson Cavitation Tunnel in order to compare their performances. Experiment results revealed that Axiom II propeller provides a maximum 53 % efficiency and provides better efficiency and cavitation performance over the Axiom I propeller under similar conditions.

• Kwang-Cheol Seo(Emerson Cavitation Tunnel, School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University) Corresponding Author