Semi-balanced Rudder

Application

Semi-balanced  rudder with a certain part of the blade area put forward of the turning axis. Like the balanced rudder, the certain area forward of the turning axis will cause water pressure on this portion to counterbalances the water pressure of the after portion. A semi-balanced rudder is a type of rudder used in marine vessels such as ships and boats. It is characterized by a rudder blade that is partially balanced by a counterweight, which is designed to reduce the steering forces required to maneuver the vessel. The semi-balanced rudder is designed to provide improved hydrodynamic efficiency and maneuverability by reducing the steering forces required to turn the vessel. The counterweight balances a portion of the rudder blade's surface area, reducing the overall force required to move the rudder.

Advantages and Features

1. When 20% to 37% of the area is forward of the turning axis there is no torque on the rudder stock at certain angles.

2. At some angle of rudder, it is balanced. i.e., torque is zero, to keep rudder at that angle.

3. Axis of rotation lies between 0.2 L and 0.37 L

Semi-balanced Rudder Image