Paddleducks

Paddler Modelling => Paddlewheels/Drive Systems => Topic started by: kiwimodeller on July 15, 2012, 12:51:26 PM

Title: Sternwheeler reduction ratio
Post by: kiwimodeller on July 15, 2012, 12:51:26 PM
Greetings all, I am hoping that some of us have had some experience with a steam powered sternwneeler and can give me some advice on what reduction ratio I should be looking for in the drive. My side wheeler goes well on a ratio of only 3.7 :1 but all the info we have on here says trhat sidewheelers need around 120 to 150 revs whereas a sternwheeler only needs the wheel to be running at about 40 to 60 rpm so presumably the reduction ratio needs to be at least double. The engine is a 16mm x 16mm double acting V twin. It seems that most steam engines run best around 400 to 500 rpm under load so that means a reduction of 10 to 1 would be needed to keep the wheel speed correct but any comments or suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks, Ian.
Title: Re: Sternwheeler reduction ratio
Post by: derekwarner_decoy on July 15, 2012, 02:01:12 PM
Hi Pd's........ :whistle ...Ian...I understand our previous thoughts on sidewheelers.... "need around 120 to 150" RPM, but not to sure where the 40 to 60 RPM for a stern wheel came from  :shhh

We could consider the swept surface area x depth [SSAxD] of x 2 for a twin side paddle & compare the [SSAxD] 1x for a single stern paddle

All things being equal  ...surface area x blade numbers [SSAxD] should be equal ....or  :squareone ....Derek  :beer

Title: Re: Sternwheeler reduction ratio
Post by: kiwimodeller on July 15, 2012, 07:42:06 PM
Derek, in the post http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5601.0 Eddy says he has built two sternwheelers that had wheel revs of 80 to 90 rpm out of the water and that this is too fast, that we should look at speeds of 40 to 60 rpm in the water. I am sure I have read the same in older posts to and anyway I aint gonner argue with Eddie! Cheers, Ian.
Title: Re: Sternwheeler reduction ratio
Post by: Bierjunge on July 16, 2012, 05:54:04 AM
It would be easier to answer your question if you tell us in addition
Then I would volunteer to make some calculations. It's all interconnected somehow, you know.

Moritz
Title: Re: Sternwheeler reduction ratio
Post by: bill stafford on November 20, 2012, 11:49:21 AM
there are a lot of variables to drive , inc. wind
be carfull , a stern wheeler may need up to 200 rpm , to get enough thrust to steer
my side wheel paddler revs up to 330 rpm (maths , on paper ) , but on a windy day , it has being called the turtle , slow .
dont tel any-one , but i have considered concealed props for next paddler , due to stroung winds were i sail
bill