Writing program need recent info about propellers 1

[lensart]

I'm writing a program that will size the power system for an electric rc model airplane. I'm stuck on the propeller computations. I've read quite a bit of old information from the NACA archives, such as 'Application of Theodorsen's Theory', however most of the design methods of that day rely on charts and graphs. If possible, I'd like to find more recent articles concerning computer aided propeller design, or someone who has an interest in the rc hobby and would like to contribute to my effort.

thanks,

kirk

 

[gyronaut]

lensart,

Have a look at the University of Sydney Aeronautical engineering site. They have some good information about blade element theory. Which I think is probably accurate enough for your calculations. There is also a couple of simple programs that use it there. the link is

http://www.aero.usyd.edu.au/aero/aerodyn.html.

Have a look in the contents to find it.

There is also this site about a free program called Javaprop.

http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/javaprop.htm.

The program is specifically designed for calculating model aircraft props. The way it works is also explained quite well. There is also a wealth of information available under the subject of propulsion. The is several theorys each more complex. Momentum theory, Blade element theory, vortex element theory. This last one is the most accurate but quite complex to implement. Hope this is helpfull.

Cheers
Gyronaut