Abstract: The input characteristic of fluid coupling, and the transforming methods from the input characteristic to its five other forms of characteristic curves and their drafting steps are studied, and all kinds of their applications in research on steady-state and dynamic property of marine propulsion plant and calculation of speed and powering of ship are extensively explored. The purpose of study is stated and it is pointed out that an approach of simulation of steady-state and dynamic property and approaches of forward and backward calculations of speed and powering of ship demand three different kinds of characteristic curves. The drawing methods with different steps for the five other forms of characteristic curves from the input characteristic of fluid coupling are introduced. The applications of above six characteristic curves of fluid coupling in three kinds and their merits and demerits are summarized.

Key words: Rapidity, Steady-state property, Dynamic property, Fluid coupling, Input characteristic, Marine propulsion plant, Ship