Rudder Design

The rudder has remained virtually unchanged since its

introduction millennia ago...

This is a typical rudder from a 6th century Nordic vessel...

 Rudders
• Used to control ship’s heading by moving
the stern.

• To have an effect, must have a flow of

water across the rudder.

• Normally this flow of water is the discharge

current of the screw.
 Rudder
• Acts a wing Water
Flow

High
Low Pressure Area High
Low Pressure Area

Rudder Rudder
Force Force
 Stages of a ships turn:

Rudder midships

Water Flow
Rudder is turned

Ship orients itself at

the desired angle to
oncoming seas
Hull Lift
 Rudders

• bow will turn in the direction of

rudder when moving ahead

• stern will turn in direction of rudder

when moving astern
 Ahead Ship Movements
“Left Standard Rudder” “Right Standard Rudder”
C = Rudder Area
LT
 Shape and Type of Rudder

Types of Rudders
Unbalanced Semi-balanced Balanced
1. Unbalanced Rudder The rudder stock is at the leading edge of
the rudder
2. Semi Balanced The rudder mounts on a “horn” protruding
from the hull
- The top can be considered “unbalanced”
- The bottom can be considered “balanced”
3. Balanced Rudder The rudder stock is positioned toward the
center of the rudder, requiring less force to turn it

Balanced at about 15o of rudder angles

 Rudder section shape
1. Flat plate rudder
2. Symmetrical airfoil or double plate rudder