PRODUCT SOLUTION

Fixed pitch propellers

Design Technology Utilising Large-Scale CFD Systems

High-precision cavitation prediction is essential for designing ultra energy-efficient propellers with minimal blade area—crucial for achieving low fuel consumption. Our advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) system, operating on 8,000 cores, enables highly accurate cavitation simulations, allowing us to deliver high-performance designs in a short timeframe.
While many companies rely on costly and time-consuming model testing during the development of energy-saving technologies, we leverage our large-scale CFD system to verify energy-saving effects at full scale, reducing development time and enhancing design accuracy.

– Cavitation Analysis by CFD –

　

 

Fusion of Minimum Blade Area and NHV Technology

As part of a GHG (Greenhouse Gas) reduction project led by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Nakashima Propeller conducted joint research on the development of a minimum blade area NHV (Non-Hub Vortex) propeller.
The result of this research is a new generation of propellers that integrate minimum blade area design with NHV technology.
By combining the reduced frictional resistance of a smaller blade area with the vortex recovery effect of NHV technology, we have successfully achieved even higher performance.

– Comparison of Hub Vortex Cavitation –

　

 

Tip Rake Technology (Cavitation Suppression)

Reducing propeller blade area has traditionally been associated with increased cavitation.
However, the minimum blade area NHV propeller with tip rake overturns that assumption.
The locally curved tip rake design suppresses cavitation at the blade tip, significantly reducing erosion risk and fluctuating pressure.
This technology enables improved cavitation performance while maintaining a minimal blade area achieving what was once thought to be mutually exclusive.

 

High-Efficiency Performance Proven in Real Vessels

The efficiency of minimum blade area propellers has been proven not only through simulations and model tests, but also through actual performance on operational vessels.
Details, including voyage records, were presented at a conference of the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers (JASNAOE).

• Study on Minimum Blade Area Propellers, Part 1: Design and Model Tests
  JASNAOE Proceedings, No. 2013S-GS4-9

• Study on Minimum Blade Area Propellers, Part 2: Full-Scale Sea Trials
  JASNAOE Proceedings, No. 2013S-GS4-10

Vessel Type	Efficiency Comparison with Existing Propellers by Vessel Type（%）
	Standalone Propeller Efficiency	Self-Propulsion Test	Full-Scale Sea Operation
ケミカルタンカー	+2％	+4％	+4.5％

 

 

 

– Performance Verification on Actual Vessels –

　

 

Craftsmanship That Ensures High Quality

To optimize propulsion performance, it is essential to manufacture the propeller precisely as designed.
We achieve this through a combination of advanced equipment including high-precision blade surface processing machines and propeller turners that enhance safety along with expert craftsmanship capable of detecting deviations as small as 1/100 mm, and cutting-edge IoT-based production management systems.

 

At Nakashima Propeller, “quality control” is never limited to final product inspections.
Our commitment to quality spans the entire production process from incoming inspection of components after order placement to the final inspection of completed products.
Every step is rigorously monitored and verified to ensure that only products meeting our exacting standards are delivered to our customers.

　

 

Tip Rake Effect

Nakashima’s original tip rake design—featuring a specially shaped blade tip—helps reduce cavitation and higher-order fluctuating pressure at the stern.

Conventional Type　　　　　　　　　    　        Tip Rake Type
　

 

High Skew Effect

“High skew” refers to a propeller blade shape with a pronounced backward sweep.
This distinctive geometry significantly reduces hull vibration and noise caused by the propeller.

 

Keyless Propeller

“Keyless” refers to a coupling method that does not use a key between the propeller and the shaft.
By press-fitting the shaft into the propeller’s bore, the contact surfaces form a completely bonded connection under specific conditions.
Once joined, the propeller remains firmly fixed to the shaft without the risk of slipping or loosening.
Due to its high reliability, the keyless system is now the standard for most large commercial vessels.