It is of course impossible to consider propeller design very much in detail in a paper of this nature. It can be said, however, that the airfoil theory, in connection with the inflow theory, has given very good results and proved exceedingly valuable for the aerodynamic design of propellers. Both theories, however, in the present state of knowledge, must be applied with a number of empirical factors.
Propeller-design theories and the subject of aerodynamics are discussed mathematically, as well as the elements governing the best propeller diameter for obtaining the highest thrust. Consideration is given in detail to steel, adjustable-pitch and reversible propellers as well as to those made of laminated construction consisting of sheets of paper fabric impregnated with bakelite as a binder. The mathematical considerations that apply to propellers when reversed in flight, the time and distance required to stop when landing and the propeller stresses are enumerated and commented upon.
The tendency of propeller design is discussed and the methods of propeller testing are described. The paper is copiously illustrated.