Propeller blade stress estimates using lifting line theory

Abstract

OpenProp, an open-source computational tool for the design and analysis of propellers and horizontal-axis turbines, is extended to provide estimates of normal stresses in the blades for both on- and off-design operating conditions. The numerical model is based on propeller lifting theory, and the present implementation of the code includes an analysis capability to estimate the off-design performance of the propeller or turbine and to make blade stress predictions.

As an example, we present the design and performance of a two-bladed propeller. Experimental measurements of the propeller performance over a wide range of off-design operating conditions agree with performance predictions. Estimates of the blade stress are given for on-design and off-design operating states of the propeller.