Shaft & Rudder
In the field of marine and offshore engineering equipment, the shaft-and-rudder system fulfills the dual missions of power transmission and navigation control. As the core transmission mechanism connecting the main engine and propeller, and a crucial control system for ship maneuvering, the performance of the shaft-and-rudder system directly determines the maneuverability, reliability, and energy efficiency of the entire vessel.
In terms of power transmission, the main shaft system efficiently transmits the enormous torque generated by the main engine to the propeller. Regarding maneuverability, the rudder system achieves precise rudder angle control to adjust the ship's heading, enabling large container ships to maintain a heading accuracy of ±1° even under fully loaded conditions. Regarding safety, the shaft system is equipped with multiple bearing supports and a vibration monitoring system to ensure stable power transmission. The rudder system also features an emergency backup mechanism to maintain basic maneuverability in the event of a main system failure.
The operating principle of the shaft-and-rudder system embodies sophisticated mechanical engineering. The main shaft system utilizes a multi-point support structure. Through the precise coordination of components such as the intermediate shaft and thrust shaft, main engine power loss is limited to less than 3%. The propeller shaft is connected to the propeller hub using conical hydraulic assembly technology, ensuring a reliable connection even under maximum operating conditions. The rudder system utilizes a hydraulic servo control principle, with the steering gear driving the rudder blades. Modern electro-hydraulic servo systems have reduced response times to less than 2 seconds, with rudder angle control accuracy reaching 0.1°. During power transmission, the shafting bearings utilize a forced lubrication system to create a stable oil film, achieving a friction coefficient as low as 0.001, significantly reducing transmission losses.
