This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Feasibility Study of Propeller Design for General Aviation by Numerical Optimization
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
A practical method for propeller design using optimization techniques is presented. The propeller aerodynamics model incorporates blade element, momentum and vortex theories, and the optimization technique is based on a combination of the method of feasible directions and the conjugate-gradient method. A realistic design problem is formulated to maximize the propeller performance in terms of the distribution of thickness, camber, pitch and solidity along the blade, subject to simple structural and power constraints. The application of this method for a general aviation propeller is illustrated by a computed example. The results presented are considered preliminary and are intended only to illustrate this technique. A discussion of the present aerodynamic model for the blade elements is included, and extensions to more elaborate aerodynamic models are considered.
Recommended Content
| Technical Paper | Understanding Modal Analysis |
| Technical Paper | Large Scale Propeller Testing in the NRC 9 Metre Wind Tunnel in Canada |
| Technical Paper | A General Three-Dimensional Potential-Flow Method Applied to V/STOL Aerodynamics |
Authors
Citation
Bernstein, S., "Feasibility Study of Propeller Design for General Aviation by Numerical Optimization," SAE Technical Paper 760478, 1976, https://doi.org/10.4271/760478.Also In
References
- Worobel R. Mayo M. G. “Advanced General Aviation Propeller Study.” NASA CR 114289 April 1971
- Winblade R. L. Westfall J. A. “NASA G. A. Research Overview - 1975.” SAE Paper 750500
- Glauert H. “Airplane Propellers.” Aerodynamic Theory 4 Durand W. F. 1935
- Lock C. N. H. “Application of Goldstein's Airscrew Theory to Design.” British ARC R. & M. No. 1377 1930
- Hoerner S. F. “Fluid Dynamic Drag.” 1965
- Hoerner S. F. “Fluid Dynamic Lift.” 1970
- McCormick B. W. “Aerodynamics of V/Stol Flight.” Academic Press 1967
- Bryson A. E. Jr. Ho Y. C. “Applied Optimal Control.” Guinn and Co. 1969
- Vanderplaats G. N. Hicks R. N. Murman E. M. “Application of Numerical Optimization Techniques to Airfoil Design.” NASA SP347-Part II March 1975