Robert Edmund Froude facts for kids

Robert Edmund Froude was an important English engineer. He was born on December 22, 1846, and passed away on March 19, 1924. He studied how liquids move, which is called hydrodynamics. He also helped design parts of ships as a naval architect. He created ideas like "momentum theory." These ideas helped make ship propellers work better.

A Life of Engineering

In 1871, Robert started working with his father, William Froude. His father was studying how liquids and gases move. This field is known as fluid dynamics or hydrodynamics. The British Navy, called the Admiralty, often asked them for help.

The Experiment Works

One of their big projects was the Admiralty Experiment Works. This was a special place William Froude designed. It had a huge tank where they could test their ideas. They used models of ships to see how they would move in water. Later, they even tested designs for warships there.

After his father passed away in 1879, Robert became the Superintendent of this facility. He kept this important job when the test tank moved to a bigger location in Haslar.

Building a Business

In 1881, Robert teamed up with Richard Hammersley Heenan. Richard owned an engineering company. Together, they started a new company called Heenan & Froude Ltd in Birmingham.

Their company first made "water brake dynamometers." These machines were based on Robert's father's design. They are used to measure the power of engines. Over time, the company made many different types of these machines. Today, the "Froude" name is still used by companies that make and service engine testing equipment around the world.

Propeller Power

Robert Froude also continued his father's work on how ship propellers work. He wrote papers for the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Understanding Propellers

His contributions included explaining "momentum theory." This theory helped people understand how propellers push a boat through water. He also found ways to measure and examine the shape of propeller screws.

Robert identified the main things that make a propeller design efficient. This included how the propeller works with the shape of the boat's hull. He also created formulas to use this information. These formulas helped engineers predict and improve propeller designs.

Later, his ideas and his father's "blade element theory" were combined. This created a more complete idea called "blade element momentum theory." This new theory is very useful for designing efficient propellers. In 1905, Robert was honored by being elected as a Vice President of the Institution.