Development of Airboat propulsion system

Shazrul Nizwan, Bin Suhardi (2017) Development of Airboat propulsion system. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Airboats are a very popular means of transportation in marshy or shallow areas where a standard inboard or outboard engine with a submerged propeller would be impractical. In recent years, airboat have become important for flood rescue operations. Therefore, this thesis is carried out to develop a low cost propulsion system for rescue operation that is practical to be used. The propulsion system need to be able to move an airboat that can carried 5 people. Prior to the development of the propulsion system, data collection is done by doing literature review to gather various information regarding propulsion system for a marine transportation. An interview session with Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia and Malaysian Civil Defence Force is done to collect data regarding on the existing propulsion system with their pros and cons. The result from the study and data collected lead to developing a low cost propulsion system that powered by a motorcycle engine. Prior to the available horsepower of the motorcycle engine, the transmission system and the size of the propeller could be determine. From the thrust calculation, the develop propulsion system is theoretically able to produce a static thrust that surpass the hull drag force. The drive unit framework is then develop to hold the engine, drive train and the propeller in its place. The drive unit framework is develop using SolidWorks and a static and dynamic simulation is done. The experimental data and result required such as torque, thrust and revolution per minute proved that the drive unit framework able to withstand the force given by the thrust produce by the propeller. A scale model airboat is printed using a 3D printer after the designing of the drive unit framework and its supporting structure is completed. The thesis conclude that a motorcycle engine could generate enough power to produce the desired thrust. From the findings, it is found that a muffling system is needed for the propeller for quieter operation and less noise.

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