Session: 01-14 Propellers and Open Rotors II

Paper Number: 151905

Propeller Design Methods: An Overview, From Classic Theories to Modern Propeller Design Techniques 

Due to the growing relevance of mitigation of the effects of the climate changes, and the race through the improvement of the energy efficiency of aircrafts, aiming a goal of zero emissions of CO₂ until 2050, the aircraft propellers have been receiving more attention, as they could represent the next innovation towards the efficiency improvements, especially due to the possibility of hybrid/electrical propulsion.

In this context, this article consists of a critical overview of propeller design methods, depicting some relevant classical methods of designing propellers, such as the Blade Element Momentum Theory by Glauert, Vortex Theories, developed by Betz, Goldstein and Theodorsen, as well as methods to design propellers that are intended to increase the lift on the wings.  The straightforward Propeller design procedures by Larrabee, Adkins and Liebeck and Wald, that are based on these theories, are also covered and compared. 

In addition, this paper also covers the final design and optimization, showing how computational methods, such as VLM and CFD, are being used in the literature to improve preliminary designs, and model the interaction between the propellers and the wing/body.

The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers and students, summarizing the state-of-art of propeller design and optimization, for those who intend to work with propellers for green aviation.

Presenting Author: Marcelo Marques Gomes Dias Aeronautics Institute of Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Bachelor of Sciences in Mechanical Engineering by the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), with Graduate Studies in Business Administration by Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV); Master of Sciences in Mechanical Engineering, focused in Thermal, Fluids and Turbomachinery by the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), and Ph. D candidate in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering by the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA).

Work Experience: Worked for 1 year as an Energy Efficiency Analyst at Mitsidi, and currently is working at EMBRAER since November 2022, as a Product Development Engineer - Landing Gear and Components, with focus in Simulation of Hydraulic Components.

Authors:

Marcelo Marques Gomes Dias Aeronautics Institute of Technology
Jesuino Takachi Tomita Aeronautics Institute of Technology
Cleverson Bringhenti Aeronautics Institute of Technology
Franco Jefferds Dos Santos Silva Aeronautics Institute of Technology