Propellor Aerodynamics The History, Aerodynamics & Operation of Aircraft Propellers

Classical aerodynamics is a compulsory study subject for pilots at all levels of experience. Propeller Aerodynamics is a subset of this fascinating subject. Propellers have their unique aerodynamic terminology, forces and handling requirements, knowledge of which all pilots must be aware of to safely handle the aircraft they are flying. Incorrect propeller handling can cause damage to the aircraft and reduce performance efficiency. Most aerodynamic text books only give a brief view of propeller aerodynamics; however this book Propeller Aerodynamics delves more deeply into this subject. The book covers the history and operation of aircraft propellers, prop pitch, thrust, efficiency, aircraft stability, prop forces, constant-speed units and more. This is all essential reading for the pilot progressing to more advanced high-performance aircraft. Cover 1 Contents 2 Front matter 4 Title page 4 Publisher information 5 Introduction 6 Body matter 9 1 – The History of Aircraft Propellers 9 Airscrews 9 The First Airborne Props 10 The Wright Brothers 11 Aerodynamic Theories 12 Variable-pitch Propellers 14 Constant-speed Propellers 15 Spitfires and Hurricanes 18 Five-blades or Six? 20 Counter & Contra-rotating Props 22 Lockheed C-130 Hercules 26 De-ice for Props 28 Propeller Manufacturers 28 The First Turboprops 31 Supersonic Propellers 33 Record Breakers 35 Propulsors 37 Propfans 38 Conclusion 41 2 – Propeller Pitch 42 The Working Fluid 42 Propeller Terminology 44 Propeller Pitch 47 Helix Angle 48 Blade Angle & Twist 49 Experimental Pitch 49 Geometric Pitch 50 Slip 53 Brief Review 54 Advance/Diameter Ratio 55 Fixed-pitch Propellers 57 Variable Pitch & Constant Speed Propellers 59 3 – Thrust & Efficiency 69 Propulsive Efficiency 71 Power to the Prop 73 Power Absorption 79 Activity Factor 79 Solidity 79 Prop Diameter 81 Number of Blades 81 Aspect Ratio 86 Prop Blade Loading 86 Prop Disc Loading 88 Propwash Thrust 90 Prop Blade Drag 96 Propeller Icing 101 4 – Effect on the Aircraft’s Stability 105 Prop Torque Force 105 Prop Location 106 Helical Propwash 110 ‘P’ Factor 111 Gyroscopic Effect 113 Centreline Thrust 116 Minimum Control Speed (VMC) 117 Counter-rotating Propellers 117 Contra-rotating Propellers 120 5 – Prop Tip Speed & Noise 123 The Cause of Noise 123 High-speed Aerodynamics 124 Tip Speed 127 Tips, Blade Shape & Materials 129 Synchronizing 132 How Noisy are They? 135 6 – Propeller Forces & Stress 137 Windmilling Prop Forces 138 Reverse Thrust Forces 140 Prop Stress 142 The Balanced Prop 148 7 – Turboprops, Propulsors & Propfans 151 Propulsors 154 Propfans 156 8 – Constant-speed Units 161 The Oil/Counterweight Type 164 The Beech & McCauley Types 165 The Hamilton Standard Type 165 Air/Oil Type 166 The Hydromatic CSU 166 The Curtiss Electric Propeller 167 9 – Propeller Operation 170 Governor Check 170 Running Square 172 Reducing power 172 Lock-on 174 Overspeed Condition 174 Windmilling 176 The Feathering Prop 176 Ground Feathering 179 Negative Torque System 181 Autofeathering 181 Simulated Zero Thrust 182 Reverse Thrust 183 Safety Around the Prop 184 Conclusion 189 Back matter 191 Glossary 191 Bibliography 200 Other Titles Available 202 propellors,prop plane,prop,airscrew,aerodynamics,aircraft,airplane,aeroplane,operation,history,propellor pitch,propellor types,thrust,efficeiency,stability,propellor noise,forces,physics,CSU