40 years of research
Rolls-Royce hydrodynamics laboratory
The Rolls-Royce Hydrodynamic Research Centre (HRC) is one of the world’s leading marine research facilities, specialising in the development of marine propulsion systems including the design and testing of propellers and water jets.
The HRC features two computer-controlled test tunnels, where water is circulated to assess the performance of a ship’s propulsion system. The tunnels simulate a wide range of sea conditions, replicating different sea temperatures, water flows and salt levels.
Since 1971, the HRC has evaluated over 1,000 different propeller blade designs, and carried out extensive tests on more than 300 complete propeller models. Engineers at the facility create scale models of propellers, which are tested in the tunnels. Profiles are altered and refined to give optimum designs suited to specific vessels and operating conditions.
