| Propelling
An aircraft is "propelled" by it's propeller - hence the name. What actually drives the propeller may be anything, i/c, steam, electricity, it is the prop which "propels". But everyone seems to talk of a suitable engine/motor for an aircraft then see what prop is advised for that power unit. This must be wrong so what I want to know is given a model's weight and allowing for the drag (e.g greater for a bi-plane with struts etc) what prop diameter will be needed to move it along. Then, given the wing area and hence wing loading at what speed must the aircraft travel to a) get off the ground, b) fly smoothly and gently and then c) be a bit more "active". This will deterimine the prop diameter and prop pitch for a given rpm. From this, search the market and see what power source can handle such a prop at the desired rpm. So, please someone. how do you calculate the prop requirements from the aircraft data? Deducing the prop requirements I think any one of us can sort out a suitable engine, no problem. |