Z drive: Difference between revisions

From Citizendium
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>George Swan
(first draft on citizendium)
 
imported>George Swan
(minor)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{subpages}}
{{subpages}}
The '''Z-drive''' is a specialized form of [[marine propulsion]].  With a Z drive a vessel doesn't have conventional propellors at the end of fixed propeller shafts.  Instead they mount propellers on pods that emerge from the bottom of the vessel.  The pods can be aimed through a full 360 degrees, allowing rapid changes in the direction of thrust.  Z-drive equipped vessels don't need a conventional rudder.
The '''Z-drive''' is a specialized form of [[marine propulsion]].  With a Z drive a vessel doesn't have conventional propellors at the end of fixed propeller shafts.  Instead they mount propellers on pods that emerge from the bottom of the vessel.  The pods can be oriented through a full 360 degrees, allowing rapid changes in the direction of thrust.  Z-drive equipped vessels don't need a conventional rudder.


This form of propulsion is called a Z-drive because, when the propeller is mechanically powered, the rotary motion has to make two right angle turns -- thus looking a bit like the letter "''Z''".  However some have an electric motor in the pod.
This form of propulsion is called a Z-drive because, when the propeller is mechanically powered, the rotary motion has to make two right angle turns -- thus looking a bit like the letter "''Z''".  In contrast the propulsion system known as an [[azipod]] mounts a propeller at the end of pod that can be oriented through 360 degrees, but the propeller is powered by an electric motor in the pod itself.


The [[Voith-Schneider]] marine propulsion system can also quickly change the direction of thrust.
The maneuverability provided to vessels by the Z drive system can be particularly useful to ferries, harbor tugs and fireboats.
 
The [[Voith-Schneider marine propulsion system]] can also quickly change the direction of thrust.


[[Category:Marine propulsion]]
[[Category:Marine propulsion]]

Revision as of 08:05, 17 November 2007

This article is a stub and thus not approved.
Main Article
Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
 
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

The Z-drive is a specialized form of marine propulsion. With a Z drive a vessel doesn't have conventional propellors at the end of fixed propeller shafts. Instead they mount propellers on pods that emerge from the bottom of the vessel. The pods can be oriented through a full 360 degrees, allowing rapid changes in the direction of thrust. Z-drive equipped vessels don't need a conventional rudder.

This form of propulsion is called a Z-drive because, when the propeller is mechanically powered, the rotary motion has to make two right angle turns -- thus looking a bit like the letter "Z". In contrast the propulsion system known as an azipod mounts a propeller at the end of pod that can be oriented through 360 degrees, but the propeller is powered by an electric motor in the pod itself.

The maneuverability provided to vessels by the Z drive system can be particularly useful to ferries, harbor tugs and fireboats.

The Voith-Schneider marine propulsion system can also quickly change the direction of thrust.