Underwater Propulsion: Pumping Out Water for Acceleration

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter RICKYtan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Propulsion Underwater
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Pumping water out of a submersible object can theoretically provide acceleration underwater, but this method is impractical compared to traditional propulsion systems. The Hamilton Jet serves as a classic example of effective water propulsion, utilizing external water sources for thrust. The discussion highlights the superiority of using ambient water from lakes or seas over internal water tanks for propulsion. For practical applications, understanding pump-jet technology and its mechanics is essential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pump-jet propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with hydrodynamics and fluid mechanics
  • Knowledge of the Hamilton Jet technology
  • Basic principles of thrust generation in aquatic environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of pump-jet propulsion systems
  • Study the design and operation of the Hamilton Jet
  • Explore the principles of hydrodynamics in underwater vehicles
  • Learn about bow thrusters and their applications in marine propulsion
USEFUL FOR

Marine engineers, underwater vehicle designers, and enthusiasts interested in propulsion technologies for submersible objects.

RICKYtan
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Can water inside a submersible object be pumped outwards to provide an acceleration while underwater?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Squid?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
RICKYtan said:
Can water inside a submersible object be pumped outwards to provide an acceleration while underwater?
Isn't this exactly what a propeller does? If you like, you can put the whole system in a tube through the inner of the object, but why?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters
If you mean can water from a tank inside be pumped out to produce thrust then answer is yes but in practice this method of producing thrust is not very practical.

Generally better to use the water from lake or sea and pump it through or around the submersed object .
 
Nidum said:
Generally better to use the water from lake or sea and pump it through or around the submersed object .

invented in my home country, the Hamilton Jet is the classic example of that
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jetboat
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nidum
At least they are fast!
https://www.ngva.eu/worlds-fastest-high-speed-ferry-propelled-by-waertsilae-technology
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nidum
This is the UK version built by Dowty under license from Hamilton :

 
Technical :

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn and fresh_42
Can someone explain how the intake works and the work necessary? Also, can intake be supplied by water flowing inside the system at a location on the system that is "in front of" the moving system, a system which can travel any direction underwater?
 
  • #10
RICKYtan said:
Can someone explain how the intake works and the work necessary?

The wikipedia article is a good starting point for an overview of a pump-jet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump-jet

If you're planning to build one then you'll have to get into the technical literature, as teaching you the details would be beyond the scope of this forum.

RICKYtan said:
Also, can intake be supplied by water flowing inside the system at a location on the system that is "in front of" the moving system, a system which can travel any direction underwater?

I'm sorry but I can't make heads or tails of this.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn
  • #11
Perhaps Google Bow Thruster?
 
  • #12
I visited the RNLI Lifeboat museum Pool, UK last year and saw an ancient (1950's?) lifeboat which used water jet propulsion. Nothing new under the Sun. Great for shallow water use.
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
8K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
10K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K