DEPARTMENT OF MARINE ENGINEERING

Cavitation is a phenomenon that significantly impacts the performance, efficiency, and longevity of ship propellers, often leading to issues such as vibration, noise, erosion, and a reduction in propulsive efficiency. The motivation behind this study stems from the need to better understand the dynamics of cavitation bubbles and their effects on propeller performance to design more efficient and durable marine propulsion systems. As cavitation can cause damage to propeller blades and reduce fuel efficiency, addressing this issue is crucial for the advancement of ship design, particularly in terms of material selection, propeller geometry, and operational strategies. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of cavitation-induced bubbles on ship propellers using advanced computational tools, thereby providing insights that could guide future propeller designs and enhance maritime operational efficiency. To achieve this, the study employs ANSYS simulation tools, specifically its Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) module, to model and simulate the behavior of cavitation bubbles in proximity to the propeller. The simulations use a multiphase flow model that includes both the liquid and vapor phases, allowing for the simulation of bubble formation, growth, and collapse under various operating conditions using the vp1304 as the propeller model. The study examines different parameters such as propeller rotational speed, fluid velocity, water temperature, and turbulence levels. The simulation environment is built on realistic physical conditions, using detailed mesh generation to accurately capture the complex flow behavior round the propeller blades. ANSYS Fluent's cavitation model is used to simulate bubble dynamics, with a focus on evaluating pressure distributions, vortex shedding, and velocity gradients. The results of the simulations reveal that cavitation has a profound effect on the hydrodynamic performance of the propeller. Areas of the propeller subjected to low-pressure conditions were found to experience intense cavitation, leading to significant performance degradation, including thrust loss, decrease in torque, decrease in the overall efficiency of the model. Additionally, the simulations suggest that optimizing propeller blade shape and operating conditions could mitigate the detrimental effects of cavitation. The findings highlight the importance of considering cavitation dynamics during the design phase and provide a roadmap for improving propeller efficiency, reducing cavitation damage, and enhancing the overall performance of marine propulsion systems.

This study models and simulates the wave energy potential along Nigeria’s coastline to evaluate its feasibility as a sustainable power source. With the nation facing persistent energy deficits and heavy dependence on fossil fuels, wave energy offers a clean and renewable alternative. Using real world oceanographic data from the Copernicus Marine Service (ERA5 dataset), key wave parameters significant wave height (Hs) and mean wave period (Te) were extracted and processed in MATLAB. A dynamic heaving point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) model was then developed in Simulink to simulate power generation over a one year period (September 2024–September 2025). The simulation results show that a single 5-meter wide point absorber can generate approximately 13.88 MWh annually, with peak outputs during the summer months when wave activity is highest. The findings confirm that Nigeria’s wave climate, though moderate, is consistent and technically viable for decentralized, off grid energy applications, particularly for coastal communities and small industries. This research provides a quantitative foundation for future investment, policy development, and pilot projects aimed at integrating marine renewable energy into Nigeria’s sustainable energy mix.

This project proposes a sustainable solution for sea water desalination through the utilization of water and air intercooling systems. The method aims to address fresh water scarcity on a ship by harnessing distillation method in evaporating sea water. The evaporated water is condensed and collected as fresh water leaving behind salts and impurities. The design incorporates efficient heat transfer mechanisms and innovative materials to enhance the distillation process while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact

Marine pollution represents a significant threat to global biodiversity and sustainable development. The introduction of pollutants—ranging from discarded plastics to industrial chemicals and nutrient-rich agricultural runoff—disrupts fragile marine ecosystems, leading to habitat degradation, species endangerment, and the overall loss of biodiversity (Barnes & Hughes, 1999). This complex problem has been a subject of increasing concern since foundational environmental texts highlighted the pervasive nature of pollutants and their far-reaching consequences (Carson, 1962). The issue is not confined to a single source. Roughly 80% of all marine pollution originates from land-based activities, a finding corroborated by reports from the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) . A significant portion of this is plastic waste, with an estimated millions of metric tons entering the ocean annually (Jambeck et al., 2015). These pollutants undergo a journey from land to sea, often traveling through rivers and waterways, where they accumulate in coastal zones before dispersing into the open ocean

This study reviews the efficiency of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source in marine propulsion systems to address the urgent need for decarbonization in the shipping industry. Traditional marine fuels contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions; therefore, alternative, zero-emission solutions are critical. The review demonstrates that hydrogen propulsion is a technically viable and highly efficient pathway toward zero-emission shipping. The findings provide critical data for naval architects, policy makers, and shipping companies, underscoring the necessity of investing in fuel cell technology and supporting hydrogen bunkering infrastructure to achieve the IMO's (International Maritime Organization) targets for a sustainable maritime sector

This study models and simulates the wave energy potential along Nigeria’s coastline to evaluate its feasibility as a sustainable power source. With the nation facing persistent energy deficits and heavy dependence on fossil fuels, wave energy offers a clean and renewable alternative. Using real world oceanographic data from the Copernicus Marine Service (ERA5 dataset), key wave parameters significant wave height (Hs) and mean wave period (Te) were extracted and processed in MATLAB. A dynamic heaving point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) model was then developed in Simulink to simulate power generation over a one year period (September 2024–September 2025). The simulation results show that a single 5-meter wide point absorber can generate approximately 13.88 MWh annually, with peak outputs during the summer months when wave activity findings confirm that Nigeria’s wave climate, though moderate, is consistent and technically viable for decentralized, off grid energy applications, particularly for coastal communities and small industries. This research provides a quantitative foundation for future investment, policy development, and pilot projects aimed at integrating marine renewable energy into Nigeria’s sustainable energy mix.