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Master'sNaval, Offshore & Sports Nautical Applications open

Master’s in Propeller and Propulsor Optimisation Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in propeller and propulsor optimisation engineering. 12 modules covering propeller hydrodynamics, design theories, hull interaction, cavitation, systematic series, special propulsors, energy-saving devices, CFD, numerical optimisation, noise and vibration, and manufacturing tolerances to ISO 484, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the hydrodynamics of marine propellers.

02

Apply blade design theories.

03

Analyse hull–propeller interaction.

04

Assess the risk of cavitation and erosion.

05

Select conventional and special propulsors.

06

Optimise propellers with CFD and numerical algorithms.

07

Control noise, vibration and manufacturing quality.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Propeller design engineers.
  • Propulsor hydrodynamics specialists.
  • Naval CFD engineers.
  • Energy efficiency engineers.
  • Noise and vibration specialists.
  • Propulsor manufacturing engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter shipbuilding.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 484-1:2015 (propeller manufacturing tolerances)
  • ITTC Recommended Procedures for propulsion tests
  • ISO 15016:2015 (speed trials)
  • MEPC.1/Circ.906 (guidelines on underwater noise)
  • ISO 17208-1:2016 (measurement of radiated noise)
  • DNV classification rules for propellers
  • MARPOL Annex VI (air pollution and energy efficiency)
  • OpenProp
  • Simcenter Star-CCM+
  • Ansys CFX
  • CAESES
  • PropCalc
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Propeller geometry
  2. 1.2Pitch, area and area ratio
  3. 1.3Blade sections
  4. 1.4Momentum theory
  5. 1.5Blade element theory
  6. 1.6KT and KQ coefficients
  7. 1.7Open-water efficiency
  8. 1.8Fixed-pitch and controllable-pitch propellers
  9. 1.9ITTC nomenclature and symbols
  10. 1.10Case study: reading a propeller drawing
  1. 2.1Lifting line theory
  2. 2.2Lifting surface theory
  3. 2.3Vortex methods
  4. 2.4Panel methods
  5. 2.5Optimum circulation design
  6. 2.6Radial load distribution
  7. 2.7Thickness corrections
  8. 2.8Section design
  9. 2.9Rake and skew
  10. 2.10Lab: lifting line design with OpenProp
  1. 3.1Nominal and effective wake field
  2. 3.2Wake fraction
  3. 3.3Thrust deduction coefficient
  4. 3.4Relative rotative efficiency
  5. 3.5Hull efficiency
  6. 3.6Propeller–hull clearances
  7. 3.7Propeller-induced vibrations
  8. 3.8Pressure pulses
  9. 3.9Wake-adapted design
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: nominal wake analysis of a ship
  1. 4.1Types of cavitation
  2. 4.2Cavitation number
  3. 4.3Burrill diagram
  4. 4.4Tip and vortex cavitation
  5. 4.5Cavitation erosion
  6. 4.6Cavitation-induced noise
  7. 4.7Cavitation tunnel tests
  8. 4.8Design criteria
  9. 4.9Numerical prediction of cavitation
  10. 4.10Lab: assessing the cavitation margin
  1. 5.1Wageningen B-series
  2. 5.2Gawn systematic series
  3. 5.3Kaplan series in nozzles
  4. 5.4Using Bp-delta diagrams
  5. 5.5Optimum diameter selection
  6. 5.6Diameter constraints
  7. 5.7Sea margin
  8. 5.8Engine–propeller matching curves
  9. 5.9Design point optimisation
  10. 5.10Workshop: optimum selection with the B-series
  1. 6.1Ducted propellers
  2. 6.2Contra-rotating coaxial propellers
  3. 6.3Mechanical azimuth thrusters
  4. 6.4Electric propulsion pods
  5. 6.5Voith Schneider cycloidal propellers
  6. 6.6High-speed waterjets
  7. 6.7Tip-loaded propellers
  8. 6.8Manoeuvring tunnel thrusters
  9. 6.9Selection by application
  10. 6.10Case study: comparing a pod with a shaft line
  1. 7.1Pre-swirl stators
  2. 7.2Mewis Duct-type nozzles
  3. 7.3Propeller boss cap fins
  4. 7.4Rudder bulbs
  5. 7.5Twisted leading-edge rudders
  6. 7.6Air lubrication
  7. 7.7Sails and Flettner rotors
  8. 7.8Savings assessment
  9. 7.9Verification in trials
  10. 7.10Practical exercise: estimating savings from a pre-swirl stator
  1. 8.1Propeller meshing
  2. 8.2Sliding mesh technique
  3. 8.3Cavitation models
  4. 8.4Self-propulsion in CFD
  5. 8.5Load fluctuations
  6. 8.6Experimental validation in the tunnel
  7. 8.7CFD-assisted design
  8. 8.8Computational cost
  9. 8.9Simulation best practice
  10. 8.10Lab: open-water simulation of a propeller
  1. 9.1Blade parametrisation
  2. 9.2Defining objective functions
  3. 9.3Cavitation and strength constraints
  4. 9.4Optimisation with genetic algorithms
  5. 9.5Multi-objective Pareto fronts
  6. 9.6Hydrodynamic response metamodels
  7. 9.7Parallel computing
  8. 9.8Robustness to variable wake
  9. 9.9Decision-making
  10. 9.10Workshop: multi-objective optimisation of a propeller
  1. 10.1Underwater radiated noise
  2. 10.2IMO guidelines on underwater noise
  3. 10.3Silent class notation
  4. 10.4Hull pressure pulses
  5. 10.5Shaft vibrations
  6. 10.6Hull and machinery resonances
  7. 10.7Measurement in sea trials
  8. 10.8Noise reduction
  9. 10.9Research vessels
  10. 10.10Case study: diagnosing induced vibrations
  1. 11.1Propeller materials
  2. 11.2Casting and machining
  3. 11.3ISO 484 tolerances
  4. 11.4Static and dynamic balancing
  5. 11.5Inspection and measurement
  6. 11.6Blade repair
  7. 11.7Polishing and roughness
  8. 11.8Cavitation damage
  9. 11.9Spare parts management
  10. 11.10Practical exercise: checking ISO 484 tolerances
  1. 12.1Definition of the ship and requirements
  2. 12.2Wake analysis
  3. 12.3Preliminary propeller design
  4. 12.4Detailed section design
  5. 12.5Cavitation analysis
  6. 12.6CFD simulation of the propulsor
  7. 12.7Optimisation of the final design
  8. 12.8Noise assessment
  9. 12.9Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenProp, Simcenter Star-CCM+, Ansys CFX, CAESES and PropCalc, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures: designing a propeller using lifting line theory, cavitation analysis with Burrill diagrams, and multi-objective optimisation of a propeller using CFD. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 484-1:2015, ITTC Recommended Procedures for propulsion tests, ISO 15016:2015, MEPC.1/Circ.906, ISO 17208-1:2016, DNV classification rules for propellers, MARPOL Annex VI.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 484-1, the ITTC propulsion test procedures and ISO 15016 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:OpenProp, Simcenter Star-CCM+, Ansys CFX, CAESES and PropCalc, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:The complete design and optimisation of a propeller for a real ship, including cavitation, CFD and noise assessment, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Wake analysis and selection
Analyse the ship's wake and select the optimum propeller with the B-series.
Lifting line design
Design the propeller with lifting line theory in OpenProp.
Cavitation check
Assess the cavitation margin using Burrill diagrams.
CFD and optimisation
Simulate the propeller in CFD and run a multi-objective optimisation.
Master's Thesis
Deliver the final optimised propeller design with noise assessment, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Propeller design engineerPropulsor hydrodynamics specialistNaval CFD engineerEnergy efficiency engineerNoise and vibration specialistPropulsor manufacturing engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with OpenProp, Simcenter Star-CCM+, Ansys CFX, CAESES and PropCalc, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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