A Study of the Flow Through a Vertical Axis Propeller

摘要

The application of a three dimensional flow visualisation technique to the study of the flow pattern of a vertical axis propeller is described. Photographs of the streamlines encountered by a blade throughout a complete orbital cycle are shown and analysed to yield the inflow vector. The results are compared with blade normal force time histories obtained by strain gage readings from one blade root. The computed thrust is finally compared with existing performance data. (Author)