AGBONFOH EROMOSELE EMMANUEL

The propeller shaft is a critical component in marine propulsion systems, transmitting power from the engine to the propellers. In twin-screw passenger ferries, failure of the propeller shaft can lead to severe operational disruptions, safety hazards, and costly repairs. This study presents a comprehensive failure analysis of a propeller shaft from a twin-screw passenger ferry to determine the root cause of failure and suggest mitigation strategies. The investigation includes visual inspection, non- destructive testing (NDT), metallurgical analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate material properties, fatigue characteristics, and stress distribution. The findings indicate that fatigue failure, corrosion-assisted cracking, misalignment, and improper lubrication are potential contributing factors. Based on the results, recommendations for improved maintenance, material selection, and design modifications are proposed to enhance the reliability and longevity of propeller shafts in marine vessels. This study provides valuable insights into preventing similar failures in future maritime applications.