Preparing for Proof-of-concept of a Novel Propeller for Open Rotor Engines

Paper in proceeding, 2015

This article describes the development of a novel high-speed propeller concept. Large-scale propeller tests are extremely expensive and thus not appropriate at early R&D development phases. A convenient approach is to use computational methods validated by small-scale tests with propellers manufactured from low-cost materials and rapid manufacturing methods. The present paper is describing this cross validation work explaining differences between numerics and experiments. Preferred materials and manufacturing methods for high-speed future wind tunnel tests are discussed. We also discuss the progress of development of the aerodynamic design of the concept propeller.