RANS Modelling Course for Propellers and Rudders
The RANS Modelling Course for Propellers and Rudders focuses on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), specifically the RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) method, to simulate fluid flow around propellers and rudders. The course covers the creation and analysis of models, including mesh generation, the selection of turbulence models and the interpretation of results to improve hydrodynamic design and performance. Participants learn to apply these techniques to the analysis of efficiency, cavitation and hydrodynamic forces relevant to naval engineering.
The course provides practical experience in the use of CFD software, enabling students to simulate real-world scenarios and optimise the performance of key components on vessels. Key concepts such as fluid-structure interaction are explored, and it delves into validation of results by comparison with experimental data. The aim is to prepare engineers to tackle challenges in the naval industry, mechanical engineering and related fields.
RANS Modelling Course for Propellers and Rudders — studying from India
India has a long coastline and growing maritime ambitions, supported by shipbuilding and port development at Kochi, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata. Cochin Shipyard, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Larsen & Toubro's offshore arm are important employers. The Directorate General of Shipping sets regulations for vessel safety and seafarers, while the Indian Register of Shipping provides classification services. Offshore oil and gas activity led by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation adds further demand. Engineers work on naval architecture, marine systems, offshore structures and recreational boat design.
Fees for India: ₹68,400 (Indian Rupee), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in India
Typical roles
Questions from India
Which bodies regulate naval and offshore engineering in India?
The Directorate General of Shipping regulates shipping, and the Indian Register of Shipping is the classification society. Naval work is tied to the Indian Navy and shipyards. SEIUM's qualification is a private one and is not accredited by any national body, so recognition by these organisations is not automatic and must be checked with them.
Which employers in India use naval, offshore and nautical engineering skills?
Shipyards such as Mazagon Dock and Cochin Shipyard, offshore oil and gas service firms, marine consultancies, and sports boat builders are typical employers. Each decides its own hiring criteria. The programme can support your profile, but it does not secure a role or any particular recognition.
Can I study this online from India with a job, and what are the costs?
The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from anywhere in India and do not need a student visa. Workload depends on the programme length, with support from an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the hydrodynamics of marine propellers and rudders.
Select appropriate turbulence models for rotors.
Generate meshes for rotating geometries and appendages.
Simulate propellers in open water and behind the hull.
Calculate rudder forces and propeller–rudder interaction.
Validate results against tests and ITTC procedures.
Propose propulsive improvements based on simulation.
Who it's for
- Propulsion CFD engineer who wants to specialise in RANS modelling for propellers and rudders.
- Marine propeller designer who wants to specialise in RANS modelling for propellers and rudders.
- Hydrodynamics engineer who wants to specialise in RANS modelling for propellers and rudders.
- Researcher in marine turbomachinery who wants to specialise in RANS modelling for propellers and rudders.
- Energy-saving device engineer who wants to specialise in RANS modelling for propellers and rudders.
- Project engineer at a shipyard who wants to specialise in RANS modelling for propellers and rudders.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join propeller and rudder manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ITTC 7.5-03-03-01 Practical Guidelines for Ship Self-propulsion CFD
- ITTC 7.5-03-01-01 Uncertainty Analysis in CFD Verification and Validation
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-02.1 Open Water Test
- ISO 484-1 Marine propellers: manufacturing tolerances
- ASME V&V 20 Standard for Verification and Validation in CFD
- IACS UR S10 Rudders, sole pieces and rudder horns
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-01.4 1978 ITTC Performance Prediction Method
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Propeller geometry: pitch, rake and skew1.2NACA profiles on blades and rudders1.3KT and KQ coefficients and open-water efficiency1.4Lifting line theory1.5Rudders: lift and drag forces1.6Nominal and effective hull wake1.7Interaction between propeller, rudder and hull1.8Scale effects on propellers1.9Efficiency losses due to non-uniform flow1.10Case study: open-water curves of the B-series
2.1Reynolds averaging and turbulence closure2.2k-omega SST model on lifting profiles2.3Laminar-to-turbulent transition models2.4Curvature and rotation corrections2.5Formulation in a rotating reference frame2.6Boundary layer resolution on blades2.7Flow separation on rudders at high angles2.8RANS limitations compared with DES and LES2.9Model selection according to objective2.10Practice: NACA 0018 profile at several angles
3.1Importing and repairing blade geometry3.2Structured meshing around the blade3.3Refinement at the tip and trailing edge3.4Mesh for the tip vortex and wake3.5Moving reference frame versus sliding mesh3.6Non-conformal interfaces and conservation3.7Overset meshes for moving rudders3.8Y+ control on blades and rudder3.9Parallelisation and computational cost3.10Workshop: mesh of a KP505 propeller
4.1Open-water test at several advance ratios4.2Validation against reference experimental data4.3Propeller behind the hull in wake flow4.4Thrust fluctuations per blade4.5Pressure pulses on the hull4.6Ducted and nozzle propellers4.7Controllable-pitch propellers off design4.8Lateral forces and moments of the propeller4.9Vortex post-processing using the Q-criterion4.10Laboratory: open-water tests of the KP505 propeller
5.1Rudder in propeller slipstream: asymmetric loading5.2Twisted rudders and Costa bulb rudders5.3Manoeuvring forces at different angles5.4Lift loss and cavitation on the rudder5.5Flap and high-lift rudders5.6Fin systems behind the propeller5.7Energy savings with stern devices5.8Torque calculation on the rudder stock5.9Comparison with sizing rules5.10Case study: rudder behind the propeller in self-propulsion
6.1Selection of reference propeller, rudder and hull6.2Geometry preparation and meshing6.3Open-water simulation and validation6.4Simulation of the propeller behind the hull6.5Propeller–rudder interaction analysis6.6Estimation of numerical uncertainty6.7Proposal for improving propulsive performance6.8Comparison with sea trial data6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ANSYS CFX, OpenFOAM, Pointwise, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real open-water simulation procedures for a reference propeller, propeller–rudder interaction analysis in the wake, and calculation of torque on the rudder stock. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the hydrodynamics of marine propellers and rudders.
Select appropriate turbulence models for rotors.
Generate meshes for rotating geometries and appendages.
Simulate propellers in open water and behind the hull.
Calculate rudder forces and propeller–rudder interaction.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
Work is carried out with Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ANSYS CFX, OpenFOAM, Pointwise. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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