Propeller Lifting Line

Propeller lifting line theory is a mathematical framework for analyzing and designing ship propellers by modeling each blade as a lifting line with circulation distribution. Developed by Sydney Goldstein in 1929 and refined by Kerwin and others, the method accounts for blade loading, wake effects, and propeller interactions. Lifting line theory provides efficient predictions of propeller thrust, torque, and efficiency and remains standard in preliminary propeller design and optimization.