Structural Considerations in the Design of Propeller Blades

Abstract

The state of the art is reviewed for predicting analytically and measuring, in the model or full scale, loads on propeller blades and the resulting stresses and deformations. Examples are next given of the utility of beam theory and the finite element method during the lifting- line and post lifting-surface stages of design, respectively. An economic assessment is finally offered of the various methods that can be used prior to construction to minimize blade failures.