Feasibility Study of Pontoon Barge Water Jet Propulsion and Steerage

摘要

A study was made to determine the feasibility of applying water jet propulsion to pontoon structures and to ascertain the state-of-the-art of a suitable commercial pump and power unit. The results of the study indicate that a water jet propulsion system can be built which will have performance characteristics equivalent to those of the Model 06DH propeller unit while operating in deep water. Such a system will be superior to the 06DH unit in surf operations because the water jet system has few operational problems in the surf zone. This improved performance carries with it a penalty in the higher power required and fuel consumption. Adequate power units are available, but no suitable commercial pump can be obtained as a shelf item. Fabrication of a pump with the necessary operational characteristics is within the present state-of-the-art. (Author)