Subject: Shifting gears. Prop efficiency definition.
From: Paul
Date: 2/11/2000, 9:18 PM


Too soon to say whether I believe it or not. I need
to get
out there and take some actual take off data. So far
I am still in bed.
The data I do have you dismiss as advertising hype.

Based on the chart of runs you made and uploaded
showing such a small advantage
to a constant speed prop over a fixed pitch prop
raised my doubts.
This goes against my considerable flying experience
with constant speed
props verses fixed pitch props.

The biggest problem I have is with your efficiency
numbers and the lack
of RPM column and pitch column for the constant
speed prop. Constant speed implies
max RPM with max HP for the constant speed prop. I
know from experience
that constant speed props rev higher on takeoff and
therefore the engine
is generating way more HP.

I also have the same problems with the var gear
columns.

Here again is your chart.

fixed pitch 70X78             const spd   var gear
   mph  rpm   bhp f lbs eff    f lbs eff  f lbs
eff
    0   1940  108  407   0      603   0    525   0
   30   1950  109  393  28      530  26    505  25
   60   1960  110  353  51      480  50    460  47
   90   2080  118  327  66      425  63    420  62
  120   2400  130  307  76      366  73    365  73
  160   2500  149  283  81      299  80    299  80
  190   2720  160  268  83      268  83    268  83

Paul Lamar

 Both the constant speed and variable gear box used
the 160 hp for the whole range- about 2700 engine rpm
the constant speed pitch was set to roughly set the
160 hp 2700 rpm at all points varying from a bit under
50 inches at static (flatter would over rev the engine
- same blade area as the fixed prop) up to 78 inches
at top speed - when you get your airplane back
together you might be able to simulate fixed pitch at
static if it will let you pull full throttle rpm down
to about 2000 - Vance

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