An analysis of recent screwshaft casualties

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pemberton, H.N. | Smedley, G.P.

Affiliations: Lloyd’s Register of Shipping

Abstract: The results of our analysis of casualties to screwshafts in ships classed with Lloyd’s Register and recorded between January, 1952 and December 1957, are presented in various groups. The groups cover screwshafts fitted with continuous liners and those operating in oil-lubricated bearings and having approved types of oil glands; shafts of single- and multi-screw ships; type, position and numeral of the machinery driving the particular shafts; shafts of new single-screw ships; shafts of American wartime-built standard merchant ships. A casualty is defined as any reason for the replacement of a screwshaft, the casualties being divided into groups which depend on the types of defects. Casualty rates are quoted in terms of percentage replacements per annum. It is shown that the higher casualty rates are associated with single-screw ships; aft-end machinery installations; American wartime-built ships. The results are discussed and the probable causes of major casualty rates are indicated.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1960-77402

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 7, no. 74, pp. 433-443, 1960