Efficiency Improved Turboprop.
Abstract
Renewed attention has been focused on the efficiency of aircraft propulsion as the cost of fuel has risen. Studies conducted by NASA (1) to obtain fuel efficient aircraft have considered relatively highly-loaded turbo-prop systems. The disc loadings of these propellers are as much as four times higher than those on present turboprop aircraft. The higher disc loadings result in greater slipstream swirl and higher energy losses. Of primary importance is the radial distribution of the energy losses across the slipstream due to the tangential and axial velocities. This study presents the results of analysis defining the various sources of energy loss resulting from a swirling slipstream downstream of a propeller. Experimental data are presented demonstrating the presence of such losses and a propeller configuration discussed which offers improved propulsive performance when relatively highly-loaded propellers are employed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA118819
Entities
People
- W. S. Gearhart
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University