The interactions of a marine propeller and its propulsion engine are surveyed, with particular concern for the interaction as seen from the engine end. It is pointed out that linking characteristics of engine and propeller should be considered together when marine engineers design a propulsion plant. Propeller characteristics and engine characteristics are reviewed, with a suggestion that, as a compromise between efficiency and vibration excitation, the designer choose from a number of blades, the area of the blades being a compromise between efficiency and having sufficient thrust area to avoid cavitation. Matching of engine and propeller in several situations is then discussed. Problems of off-design and margin allowance are included.
