<![CDATA[Waterjet propulsion systems manufactured by Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer potential advantages for lightweight marine applications, but experimental data on the static thrust performance of polymer-based waterjet thrusters remain limited. This study presents an experimental investigation of the static thrust performance of a waterjet thruster fabricated from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU 95A) using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Static thrust was measured at rotational speeds of 1500, 3000, 4500, 6000, 7500, and 9000 rpm using a 13 hp internal combustion engine. The results showed a consistent increase in static thrust with rotational speed, from 20 N at 1500 rpm to a maximum of 170 N at 9000 rpm. However, the increase in thrust became less proportional at higher rotational speeds, indicating increasing hydraulic and mechanical losses. These losses may be associated with flow separation, turbulence, tip leakage, and elastic deformation of the TPU impeller under hydrodynamic and centrifugal loading. Despite this behavior, there is not any abrupt thrust fluctuations were observed throughout the tested operating range, indicating stable static thrust generation. The maximum thrust of 170 N demonstrates the capability of the FDM-printed TPU 95A thruster to generate measurable propulsion force under static conditions. The results provide experimental reference data for the development and optimization of additively manufactured waterjet thrusters for small-scale marine propulsion applications.]]>
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