This disk contains both the source code and the compiled basic program
to design an aircraft propeller based upon aircraft and engine performance
data. The program is an extended version of the technique outlined in my
presentation to members of EAA Chapter 106 in October 1990. The extensions
allow the user to vary the angle of attack (alpha), which affects the blade
chord, and the tip velocity, which affects the prop diameter. Several blade
planforms are also provided for variety. In addition, an effort is made to
allow for degradation due to tip-loss. The approach is substantially the same
as one used by John Roncz in a presentation he made at an Oshkosh forum some
years back, and material garnered from a variety of aerodynamic textbooks
in which the defining equations were:
Lift L = 1/2(rho)(b)(Cl)(Vro)^2(l)(chord)
Thrust T = Lcos(Phi0) - Dsin(Phi0)
Drag D = 1/2(rho)(b)(Cd)(Vro)^2(l)(chord)
Torque Q = [Lsin(Phi0) + Dcos(Phi0)](Omega)
Alpha a = angle of attack
Theta 0 = angle of induced velocity
Phi = Tan^-1[(V/Omega)(r)]
rho = air density
r = radius
V = forward speed
b = Number of blades
Beta B = a + 0 + Phi (PITCH ANGLE)
Pitch = Tan^-1(Beta)
The program has been distributed world-wide and has not been subjected to
any harsh criticism to date. It has also been used as part of a lab course at
Bucknell university. However; no guarantees are offered or implied. The
design procedure is based upon sound engineering fundamentals and is offered
to the fraternity in the spirit of comradeship. I would be pleased to
receive any helpful suggestions, results achieved, or errors uncovered,
whether they be typographical or a result of faulty reasoning on my part.
In any event, good luck to all.
Edwin A. Dokus
EAA 51432
5-14-99
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