Some other applications are shown in Table 11, where it can be seen that the majority of applications
have been for relatively small vessels. These never exceed a speed of about 8 knots, about 4 m/sec,
which happens to be close to the limiting water speed recommended for tubular heat exchangers.
However, the water flow conditions around a ship's hull are clearly quite different from those in heatexchanger
tubing. It was believed that for the conditions under which ships' hulls operate, far higher
water speeds could be tolerated. To assess this under severe conditions, the rudder of a very large
container ship (VLCC) "Great Land" was covered with 90/10 sheet spot welded to the steel substrate.
Operating at speeds of 24 knots the ship operates regularly in waters with a high propensity to
fouling and also with the abrasion caused by ice in Alaskan seas. The rudder is also subject to severe
need significant replacement of plating turbulence caused by the ship's propeller. Trials showed that fouling and corrosion resistance was
maintained under these conditions.