Flettner Rotor Ships

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I have often wondered whether the Flettner rotor principle could be successfully applied in modelling form. Some full size working prototypes were constructed in the early years of the 20th Century and modernised concepts of the design appear from time to time in the shipping press but the idea never really seems to have caught on.

 

 

I did come across this You Tube experiment which looks quite interesting, especially when you read some of the comments and explanations by the builder.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__8-QSXgupA  It would make a fascinating experimental project for somebody with the time. I would imagine that the way to go would be to build a simple lightweight hull with the basic rotors and their motors mounted on it. Then you would want some way of changing the rotor surface characteristics to see what sort of surface would be most effective, maybe interchangeable slip on sleeves – but don’t drop the hairdryer in the bath!

 

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop, Website Editor on 04/05/2010 12:42:19

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Would they work effectively in model form?

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

is this your next project, Colin. looks very interesting.

neil.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Yes, I look forward to seeing this one,     Colin…..

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

No time at the moment but thinking about it….

 

Good cure for insomnia.

 

Colin

[Rick FryerParticipant @rickfryer11539]

I’m sure I remember a model plan for one – it might even have been an old MAP plan.

 

Rick

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I’m pretty sure there was never a MAP Plan although there may have been an article in Model Boats a long time back. I’m sure i once saw something in Ships Monthly too.

 

Colin

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