OPTIMIZATION OF PROPELLERS USING HELICOIDAL VORTEX MODEL

An approach to the optimization of propellers is presented that is based on a helicoidal vortex model and the rigorous calculation of the induced velocities to maximize the thrust for a given output torque of the engine. The mathematical model is presented and the discretized equations are derived for the inviscid model and for the viscous correction. The design of a two-bladed propeller at low advance ratio is carried out and the distributions of circulation, induced velocities, chord and twist are obtained. Comparison with published data indicates that the method is efficient and flexible and produces detailed and accurate results.