What Are the Key Differences Between Propellers and Rotors in Aircraft Design?

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the fundamental differences between propellers and rotors in aircraft design, emphasizing their distinct functions and structural characteristics. Propellers, such as those found on fixed-wing aircraft, primarily move air horizontally and feature significant twist to optimize thrust. In contrast, helicopter rotors, like those on the Chinook, exhibit a negative 12° twist towards the tips to manage lift variations along their length. The conversation underscores that while both components share a similar appearance, their design and operational principles are tailored to their specific roles in aviation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aircraft propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with rotor dynamics and aerodynamics
  • Knowledge of collective and cyclic control mechanisms in helicopters
  • Basic principles of lift and thrust in aviation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the aerodynamic principles of helicopter rotor design
  • Explore the mechanics of propeller twist and its impact on performance
  • Study the differences in thrust generation between fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft
  • Investigate the role of aspect ratio in rotor blade design
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, aviation enthusiasts, and students studying aircraft design will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the mechanics of propulsion and rotorcraft dynamics.

mtworkowski@o
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I was thinking about the difference between the appearance of a propeller on a plane and a rotor on a helicopter. What is the consensus?
 
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Two different things that live on two separate worlds. They are only similar in appearance and the fact that they move air. What exactly is it you are wondering about?
 
I'm thinking these things look different because they're doing different things. I know a propeller is moving air horizontally, but is a copter blade shaped that way because centrifugal force is holding it out?
 
If you are referring to their droop while stationary, then you are correct. Because they have such large aspect ratios, to make a rotor blade stiff like a prop you would have to make it extremely thick ad heavy. It would be completely impractical.
 
I'm also not seeing the twist that I see on a prop. I know that collective/cyclic controll needs that compromise but is that the reason the twist is not there?
 
mtworkowski@o said:
I'm also not seeing the twist that I see on a prop. I know that collective/cyclic controll needs that compromise but is that the reason the twist is not there?

HAH! Good observation. I never noticed that until your post!

Its probably because the change in speed due to RPM is much lower than a prop from center to blade tip. -but that's just a guess.
 
I'll buy that!
 
mtworkowski@o said:
I'm also not seeing the twist that I see on a prop. I know that collective/cyclic controll needs that compromise but is that the reason the twist is not there?
There is a slight twist in helicopter blades, but not a huge twist like in a prop. For example, my beloved Chinook has a negative 12° twist towards the tips. The twist is there to accommodate the large length of the rotor and the resulting change in lift as you go from the hub to the tip. A prop is less like a real wing than a rotor blade. A prop, while can be feathered and adjusted, is less adjustable than a rotor blade which is why there is a huge twist in them, to get the max thrust they can get in their design condition. That is why a helicopter is a rotary-wing aircraft and not a prop driven aircraft.
 
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