SEAM 1 RUDDER

• What are the principal dimensions of all types of ships that students need to locate?

  LOA, LPP/LBP, Breadth, Depth
• What is the function of a rudder on a ship?

  A rudder is used for steering and maneuvering a vessel.
• How do rudders operate in relation to the ship's propeller?

  Rudders are located behind propeller(s) to produce a transverse force and steering moment.
• What factors should be considered when selecting a type of rudder for a ship?

  Hull form, speed, propeller design, structural arrangement of the stern, and hydrodynamic factors.
• Why is the orientation of the rudder important?

  The rudder must be properly oriented within the propeller’s outflow to produce the required turning moment.
• How can a slight change in rudder type, dimension, and position affect a ship?

  It can bring about a huge variation in the ship’s response to the rudder and its turning ability.
• What are the benefits of an efficient rudder design?

  • High maneuverability for the vessel
  • Faster turning response
  • Fuel savings
  • Reduced stresses in the stern area
  • Smaller steering gear required
• What is a spade rudder?

  A spade rudder is a rudder plate fixed to the rudder stock only at the top.
• How is the balance of a rudder determined?

  The position of the rudder stock along the chord of the rudder determines if it is balanced or semi-balanced.
• What characterizes unbalanced rudders?

  Unbalanced rudders have their stocks attached at the forwardmost point of their span.
• What is a semi-balanced rudder?

  A semi-balanced rudder is partly balanced and partly unbalanced.
• What are the main parts of a rudder?

  • Rudder Stock
  • Rudder Post
  • Pintle/Rudder Pintle
  • Gudgeons/Rudder Brace
  • Rudder Trunk
• What is the function of the rudder trunk?

  The rudder trunk carries the rudder stocks and is not made watertight at its lower end.
• Where is the watertight gland fitted in the rudder trunk?

  At the top of the trunk where the stock enters the intact hull.
• What is the primary purpose of the rudder post?

  The rudder post supports the rudder and is located abaft the propeller.
• What are pintles in relation to the rudder?

  Pintles are pins or bolts that hinge the rudder to the gudgeons of the rudder post.
• What are gudgeons in relation to the rudder?

  Gudgeons are devices set in the stern or rudder post that receive the pintle and allow lateral motion of the rudder.
• How are modern rudders typically constructed?

  Modern rudders are made from horizontal and vertical plate webs welded together and covered in a shell of plating.
• What are the key functions of rudders, thrusters, and propellers in a ship?

  • Rudders: Steering and maneuvering
  • Thrusters: Assisting in docking and low-speed maneuvering
  • Propellers: Propelling the ship forward