702nd Institute Helps Achieve Breakthrough in High-Power Marine Gearbox Project

Breakthrough in Key Technical Challenges and Broad Application

The project focused on the core technologies of high-power marine propulsion systems and achieved a series of innovative results:

1. Dynamic simulation and optimization of propulsion system In the complex environment of multi-field coupling, the project developed dynamic simulation and integrated optimization technology of propulsion system, effectively solving the problem of low propulsion efficiency and difficult to control cavitation pulsation pressure.
2. High-performance propulsion design and test technology Developed high-efficiency and low-excitation optimization design technology for propulsion, and developed an internationally leading experimental verification scheme.
3. New material and equipment research and development Invented nano-enhanced wet copper-based friction plate material, broke through the design and manufacturing technology of high-torque, high-reliability multi-plate friction clutch, and successfully developed a large clutch of more than 100,000 Nm.

So far, the technology of this project has been successfully applied in 2,500 large military and civilian ships, providing strong support for the development of my country’s shipbuilding industry.

Outstanding contribution to the project

As a core participating unit, the 702 Institute has played an important role in propulsion design and test technology. Its results of “high-energy-efficiency and low-vibration optimization design and test technology for high-power marine propulsion” are considered to have reached the international advanced level as a whole.

• Technological innovation The 702 Institute adopts the closed-loop technical path of “design-performance evaluation-model test verification-engineering product application” to overcome a series of technical difficulties in the design of large ship propellers, especially in flow field adaptation, anti-cavitation design, low excitation parameter optimization and other aspects.
• Independently developed software The design software PRADS and performance prediction software PreFluP with independent intellectual property rights have been developed, and the deep integration of cavitation prediction technology and propeller design process has been achieved through technical research.
• Widely used The propeller design of the 702 Institute has been applied in many key ship types such as 320,000-ton VLCC, 400,000-ton VLOC, and 11,800TEU container ships. Especially in international bidding, its design scheme has repeatedly defeated well-known companies such as Japan and Germany, providing high-efficiency and autonomous propulsion equipment for my country’s mainstream shipyards.

Achievements and Market Influence

The propellers designed by the 702 Institute are famous for their high energy efficiency and low vibration, which greatly reduces the manufacturing and operating costs. In recent years, the products of the 702 Institute have occupied more than 40% of the domestic market share and have gradually established their position in the international market.

• The results of international bidding are remarkable. The propeller designed by 702 has performed well in multiple rounds of competition with top international companies (such as Nakajima of Japan, MMG of Germany, and Wärtsilä of Finland), and has successfully passed the verification of multiple international laboratories, proving that China’s technological leadership.
• Economic and social benefits The propulsion technology of No. 702 Institute not only enhances the international competitiveness of my country’s ship products, but also creates considerable economic benefits for shipyards. The propeller products designed by it have been widely used in various ship types such as bulk carriers and liquefied ethylene ships, and have been well received by shipyards and ship owners.

Innovation drive behind technological breakthroughs

Since 2002, the 702 Institute has always adhered to independent innovation and carried out systematic research on high-power marine propulsion technology, breaking through foreign monopoly and technology blockade. It has accumulated profound technical strength in the fields of propeller lightweighting, multi-objective optimization design, flow control and cavitation observation.

Leading industry development

The technological achievements of the 702 Institute have fully demonstrated the key role of technological innovation in enhancing core competitiveness. In the future, the 702 Institute will continue to promote the cutting-edge development of ship propulsion technology, help my country’s shipbuilding industry move to a higher level, and contribute to the development of global green shipping and smart ships.