Initial Propeller Analysis

The following plots were generated using a propeller designed to operate at 15,000 RPM with a 3-inch diameter absorbing 3 Watts of power from the shaft of the engine. The following relationships of the coefficients were used to determine the values. v n*D

Advance Ratio = Ct =

T rho * n ^ 2 * D ^ 4 P rho * n ^3 * D ^5 Ct Cp

Cp =

Eta = AdvanceRatio *

v T P rho D n

Velocity (m/s) Thrust (N) Power (Watts) Density (kg/m^3) Diameter (meters) RPS (1/sec)

This gives theoretical coefficient graphs, which will be evaluated using a propeller of our own design and manufacture to determine its actual operating characteristics. The next step will be to proceed with fabrication of models, molds, and then the actual propeller for testing in the wind tunnel. This will allow for an analysis of the dynamic Thrust and efficiency of our designed propeller. Below are the exact specifications of the propeller designed to handle 3 watts of power at 15,000 RPM for a 15m/s flight speed. This propeller was designed to operate with the DC5-2.4 electric engine at nominal operating conditions. Taken into account were the preliminary flight speeds of the aircraft and a 3 inch diameter for the propeller to possibly allow for multiple engines using counter rotating props to combat the torques which has given rise to many control problems in the past.

 Number of Blades Diameter Velocity Rotational Speed Power absorbed Thrust delivered

2 0.076 15.00 15000.0 3.000 0.169 [m] [m/s] [1/min] [W] [N] [-] [-] [-] [-] [-] [-] [%] [cm]

Power Coefficient Pc 0.3182 Cp 0.0610 Thrust Coefficient Tc 0.2692 Ct 0.0655 Advance Ratio Lambda 0.25 v/nD 0.79 Efficiency Eta Propeller size Airfoil at root Airfoil at tip 84.59 7.6 x 7.8

3.00 x 3.05 [inch] E 193, Re=100'000 E 193, Re=100'000

Key Next Steps (July 17-July 23) Fabrication of Propeller molds Fabrication of Propeller Dynamic Wind tunnel testing

Cp vs. Advance Ratio for 15,000 RPM optimized Prop

Ct vs. Advance Ratio for 15,000 RPM optimized Prop

Eta vs. Advance Ratio for 15,000 RPM optimized prop

Initial Launcher Data

After examining several launch system designs for pneumatic compressed air launchers there seem to be several advantages and disadvantages to them. Advantages: Effective Can launch at high speeds Cheap power source Disadvantages Mildly Complex Pressure must be highly regulated Seals must be checked on a regular basis I have also looked at several designs for bungee based launching systems which also have their own advantages and disadvantages. Advantages Effective Cheap to produce Easy to design Disadvantages Cant launch at extremely high velocities Based upon the time remaining in this project and the amount of complexity involved in producing a pneumatic launcher it would be prudent at this time to pursue bungee based launchers. While pneumatic launcher will give higher speeds the time to design and build is not available at this time.