Propeller Performance Optimization Using Vortex Lattice Theory and a Genetic Algorithm

This paper describes the methodology for propeller performance optimization which uses the vortex lattice method as the performance prediction algorithm and a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimization. The performance optimization investigates thin airfoil propellers which can be simulated with a single lifting surface layer of vortex elements. The propeller wake is simulated by constant pitch and constant radius horseshoe elements, which extend from the last cordwise panel two blade revolutions downstream. The design space considered by the GA is defined by, the number of blades, airfoil shape, twist angle, sweep and cord length for a given free stream velocity and blade revolution rate. The optimization results include minimum power for given thrust and max thrust for given power at one specific advance ratio. Also the thrust was maximized for a given power setting with respect to two advance ratios.