Contra-rotating, also referred to as coaxial contra-rotating, is a technique whereby parts of a mechanism rotate in opposite directions about a common axis, usually to minimise the effect of torque. Examples include some aircraft propellers, resulting in the maximum power of a single piston or turboprop engine to drive two propellers in opposite rotation. Contra-rotating propellers are also common in some marinetransmission systems, in particular for large speed boats with planing hulls. Two propellers are arranged one behind the other, and power is transferred from the engine via planetary geartransmission. The configuration can also be used in helicopter designs termed coaxial rotors, where similar issues and principles of torque apply. Contra-rotating propellers should not be confused with counter-rotating propellers, a term which describes non-coaxial propellers on separate shafts; one turning clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. Tandem-rotor helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook also use a counter-rotating arrangement. The efficiency of a contra-rotating prop is somewhat offset by its mechanical complexity. Nonetheless, coaxial contra-rotating propellers and rotors are moderately common in military aircraft and naval applications, such as torpedoes, where the added maintenance cost is not a primary concern.
Contra-rotating propellers have benefits when providing thrust for boats for the same reasons. ABB provided an azimuth thruster for ShinNihonkai Ferries in form of the CRP Azipod, claiming efficiency gains from the propeller and a simpler hull design. Volvo Penta have launched the IPS, an integrated diesel, transmission and pulling contra-rotating propellers for motor yachts. Torpedoes have commonly used contra-rotating propellers to give the maximum possible speed within a limited diameter as well as counteracting the torque that would otherwise tend to cause the torpedo to rotate around its own longitudinal axis.
More power can be transmitted for a given propeller radius.
The propeller efficiency is increased by recovering energy from the tangential flow from the leading propeller. Tangential flow does not contribute to thrust, conversion of tangential to axial flow increases both thrust and overall system efficiency.
Disadvantages
The mechanical installation of coaxial contra-rotating shafts is complicated and expensive and requires more maintenance.
The hydrodynamic gains are partially reduced by mechanical losses in shafting.
Contra-rotating propellers are used on torpedoes due to the natural torque compensation and are also used in some motor boats. The cost of boring out the outer shafts and problems of mounting the inner shaft bearings are not worth pursuing in case of normal ships.
