How Does Propeller Size and Placement Affect Water Surface Speed?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on optimizing water surface speed for boat bikes by understanding propeller size and placement. Key insights include the necessity for the propeller to be fully submerged to maintain balanced forces, as water's density requires less volume displacement compared to air. The conversation highlights the importance of propeller specifications such as diameter, pitch, and camber for achieving optimal performance. Participants seek further information on these factors to enhance speed beyond the current limit of 10 km/h.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of propeller dynamics in fluid mechanics
  • Knowledge of boat propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with terms like pitch, diameter, and camber
  • Basic principles of hydrodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research propeller design principles for marine applications
  • Explore the effects of propeller pitch on watercraft speed
  • Learn about the impact of propeller diameter on thrust generation
  • Investigate optimal propeller placement techniques for boats
USEFUL FOR

Boat designers, marine engineers, and hobbyists interested in enhancing the performance of watercraft through propeller optimization.

ahawes
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Water Propeller -- General physics questions

Howdy,

I have been following the boat bike concept for a few days and am interested in finding out more on how to get better water surface speed. The props on these bikes look small and the specs are touting no more than 10 km/h.

Can anyone point me in the right direction on where to get general information on boat props, screws, etc. How is the best performance obtained re: placement of the prop or screw in the water? Half in/ half out? Size of the prop in camber and diameter, pitch, etc? I am a pilot and understand a little on how to get more bite out of the air, and am wondering how this translates to the water world.


Thanks for any tips, web sites or information --

-- Andy
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
The key difference between a propeller on a boat and one on a plane is the density of the working fluid. Since water is so dense, you don't need to push as much volume to move a boat as you need to push air to move a plane.

The propeller must be completely submerged, otherwise forces will be unbalanced.
 

Similar threads

High School How do surface piercing propellers work?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
Undergrad When is a water surface not dispersive?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
What Torque and Power is Needed to Spin a Propeller at a Given Speed?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
44K
Undergrad How Does a Surface Piercing (Boat) Propeller Work?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
16K
Underground pump vault airflow considerations
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Undergrad How Does Increasing Size Affect Punching Speed and Light Speed Limits?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Undergrad What factors affect the heating time of a water bottle on a radiator?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
How Does Drag Affect Airplane Dynamics in a Four-Dimensional Universe?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
High School How Does Blackbird Leverage Wind Power to Move Faster Than the Wind?
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
16K
Admissions How Can I Overcome Limited Research Experience for Grad School in Physics?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K