Calculating Thrust from Propellers for Model Airplane

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SUMMARY

To calculate thrust for a model airplane, one can use the propeller size, pitch, engine power, and RPM. The basic formula involves multiplying the pitch by the RPM to determine the velocity of the air. Applying Bernoulli's equation allows for the calculation of pressure, which, when multiplied by the surface area traced by the propeller, yields the thrust. However, it is important to note that RPM varies with the speed of the airplane, affecting the overall thrust calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of propeller size and pitch
  • Knowledge of engine power and RPM
  • Familiarity with Bernoulli's equation
  • Basic principles of aerodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Bernoulli's equation in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about the relationship between RPM and airspeed in propeller-driven aircraft
  • Explore thrust calculation methods for different types of propellers
  • Investigate the impact of horsepower on propeller performance
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, model airplane enthusiasts, and anyone involved in the design and performance optimization of propeller-driven aircraft.

reg
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can anyone tell me how to calculate thrust for a model airplane. i know the propeller size and pitch and also the engine power and RPM.

Any help would be much appreciated

regards reg_ram
 
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Well, the simplest way would be if you know the rpm, you can multiply pitch by rpm to find the velocity of the air, then use bernoulli's equation to find the pressure (and multiply by surface area traced out by the prop to find thrust).

The reality is probably a little tougher: rpm will vary with the speed of the plane - the faster the plane goes, the easier it is for the prop to spin. What ends up happening is that the horsepower generated remains roughly constant while rpm changes.
 

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