PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - 2 blade v 3 blade prop
View Single Post
Old 7th Mar 2016, 11:02
  #16 (permalink)  
Pilot DAR
Moderator
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 63
Posts: 5,623
Received 64 Likes on 45 Posts
The problem with this kind of comparison, is that you can't change just the number of blades and nothing else to get a realistic result.

In reality the differences will be due to variations in blade length, aerofoil, control of the pitch management, and, interaction with the airframe/engine/spinner combination, to name just a few.

The only way to make a real comparison, is to fit the new prop, and carry out objective, back to back tests, under the same conditions.
Very true. Although some general assumptions can be made about the affects of a changed propeller, it is not as simple as number of blades, all of the foregoing characteristics must also be considered, and correctly applied.

In general: More blades = less noise, smaller diameter = less low speed thrust, but you'll get it back with speed.

Floatplanes tend to like large diameter two blade props, as they aid acceleration at low speed (needed to "get on the step"), and the planes don't go that fast anyway! But those props make a racket, and are banned in some places - yes, even in Canada!

I am a very strong proponent of the MT three blade props, they are magnificent! I have tested and approved many, on different aircraft types, and have always been pleased with the outcome. Like any non metal prop, they do have a lower "polar moment of inertia", which can make them more difficult to start, for lesser flywheel affect, but with a good stater, they work fine.
Pilot DAR is offline