Calculate Torque Needed for 100lb 11ft Propellor @ 1RPM

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the torque required for a motor to rotate a 100lb propeller with an 11 ft diameter at a speed of 1 RPM. The scope includes considerations for motor selection, gear reduction, and operational requirements for continuous use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method to calculate the necessary torque for their project involving a propeller.
  • Another participant suggests measuring the torque required with the existing apparatus, if available, and mentions the importance of overcoming bearing friction.
  • A participant indicates plans to use speed reduction gears and a DC motor with PWM control, asking for the most ideal technique for continuous operation over two weeks.
  • Questions arise regarding the possibility of using a hand-assist to start the propeller and the orientation of the propeller (vertical or horizontal), as well as the type of bearings being used.
  • One participant proposes using a Freewheel coupler to allow for hand-starting the propeller and letting the motor take over once it reaches the desired speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches and considerations regarding the torque calculation and motor setup, but no consensus is reached on a specific method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established specific assumptions regarding the torque calculation, the effects of bearing friction, or the design of the coupling mechanism. The discussion remains open to various interpretations and methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in motor torque calculations, propeller design, and mechanical engineering applications may find this discussion relevant.

Metahedron
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Good day!
How do I calculate how much torque I need in a motor for my project?

I must rotate a 100lb propellor, which is 11 ft in diameter, at 1 rpm .
 
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Welcome to the PF.

You only need torque to spin up the propeller to speed, and to overcome bearing friction. Does the apparatus exist already? If so, you could just make hand measurements of the torque required, and then use that information to size your motor. Will you be using speed reduction gearing to get that slow rotation rate?
 
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I do not have the apparatus presently, just the designs. I do plan to use speed reductions gears, but I was also hoping to use a dc motor with pwm control. Is there a most ideal technique for this? It has to be able to run non stop for two weeks.
 
When you start it up, can you use a hand-assist to get it going? Then you basically only have to overcome friction of the bearings. Is the propeller vertical or horizontal? What are you using for bearings?
 
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BTW, how are you planning on coupling the geared-down motor shaft to the propeller? If you make that coupling with a Freewheel coupler, then you could spin up the propeller by hand to a little over 1rpm, and let bearing friction slow it down to where the motor takes over through the Freewheel coupler...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freewheel

480px-Freewheel_en.svg.png
 

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