A New Empirical Formula for Steering Gear Torque of Tankers by Statistical Analysis based on Sea Trial Data and Modified Lifting Line Theory

In this paper, an empirical formula to estimate the steering gear torque of a Tanker with a horn type rudder was developed by using the statistical analysis. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the horn type rudder in the free-stream condition were calculated by using the modified lifting line theory by Molland, and the interaction effects by propeller and hull were analyzed by the regression analysis of the sea-trial data of 32 vessels. The comparison with the delivered vessels' data shows that the formula can be used for predicting the steering gear torque at the initial design stage.