Bilge keel

Bilge keel

protection system.

A bilge keel is often in a "V" shape, welded along the length of the ship at the turn of the bilge. Bilge keels are employed in pairs (one for each side of the ship). A ship may have more than one bilge keel per side, but this is rare. Bilge keels increases hydrodynamic resistance to rolling, making the ship roll less. Bilge keels are passive stability systems.

Although not as effective as stabilizing fins, bilge keels have a major advantage in their low impact on internal ship arrangements. Unlike fins, bilge keels do not have any components inside the hull that would adversely affect cargo or mission spaces. As a disadvantage, bilge keels increase the hydrodynamic resistance of the vessel, thus hindering forward motion. (This is also true for stabilizing fins).

When designing a bilge keel, there are important decisions to consider. To minimize hydrodynamic drag, the bilge keel should be placed in way of a flowline where it does not oppose crossflow. The ends of the bilge keel should be tapered and properly faired into the hull. Also, a bilge keel should not protrude from the hull so far that the device could be damaged when the vessel is alongside a pier, even with a few degrees of adverse heel. Bilge keels should not protrude below the baseline either, where they could be damaged or fouled by grounding.

ee also

* Ship stability
* Stability conditions (watercraft)

References


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Bilge keel — Keel Keel, n. [Cf. AS. ce[ o]l ship; akin to D. & G. kiel keel, OHG. chiol ship, Icel. kj[=o]ll, and perh. to Gr. gay^los a round built Ph[oe]nician merchant vessel, gaylo s bucket; cf. Skr. g[=o]la ball, round water vessel. But the meaning of… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • bilge keel — n. a projecting strip of metal or wood fastened lengthwise on either side of a ship s bottom to prevent heavy rolling, damage to the bilges, etc.: also bilge chock or bilge piece …   English World dictionary

  • bilge keel — bilge′ keel n. naut. navig. a keellike projection along a ship s bilge to retard rolling • Etymology: 1840–50 …   From formal English to slang

  • bilge keel — noun either of two lengthwise fins attached along the outside of a ship s bilge; reduces rolling • Hypernyms: ↑keel • Part Holonyms: ↑vessel, ↑watercraft * * * noun also bilge piece : a steel plate or other …   Useful english dictionary

  • bilge keel — /ˈbɪldʒ kil/ (say bilj keel) noun either of two keel like projections extending lengthwise along a ship s bilge, one on each side, to retard rolling. Also, bilge piece …  

  • bilge keel — Naut. either of two keellike projections extending lengthwise along a ship s bilge, one on each side, to retard rolling. Also called bilge piece. [1840 50] * * * …   Universalium

  • bilge keel — noun Date: 1850 a projection like a fin extending from the hull near the turn of the bilge on either side to check rolling …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • bilge keel — A long longitudinal fin fitted on the curved of a ship at the turn of the bilge to reduce rolling …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • bilge keel — noun a strake, or small keel or blister, running along much of the length of the hull. It is used to reduce the hulls tendency to roll. They are typically fitted one on each side, low down on the side of the hull, so as not to increase the draft… …   Wiktionary

  • bilge keel — noun each of a pair of plates or timbers fastened under the sides of the hull of a ship to prevent rolling and support its weight in dry dock …   English new terms dictionary

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