Defence University, College of Engineering

25th Anniversary
Project Proposal Form
I. Title of the Project: Design and Development of Fixed Pitch Propellor for A Small
Aircraft, UAV and Quadcopters
II. Name of Investigator: Sirak Masresha (Capt.) Present Position: Lecturer
III. Name of Co-Investigator: Present Position:
IV. Amount of Fund Requested in Birr:
V. Name of the Department: Aerospace Engineering
 1. Department, Head

I. Project Type: III. Receive Date and Signature:

II. Priority
Remark Approved Reject Date

2. Sector Chair

III. Received Date and Signature:

Remark Approved Reject Date

3. College Sub-Committee Chair

IV. Received Date and Signature:

Remark Approved Reject Date
 1. Abstract:
This paper describes about design and structural analysis of a typical fixed pitch aircraft
propeller made-up of composite material. The material selected was carbon fiber which is
reinforced composite and Epoxy used for matrix part. The aircraft metallic fixed pitch two
blade propeller is taken for this research paper to convert in to composite propeller blade. The
dimensions and performance parameters were taken from its overhaul manual and other
related resource for modeling and calculation of aerodynamic load acting on the blade. The
finite element modeling and static structural analysis of the propeller blade was done by using
CATIA V518 and ANSYS 14.5

This project focuses on the modelling, producing of a fixed pitch wooden propeller and
measuring performance parameter on the test rig. The suitable airfoils selected and the
geometric model is created in the CAD. The three-dimensional model is sectioned by nine
layers having five millimeter thickness of each and the templates made and transferred to
wooden laminates and carved. The edges of glued laminates are leveled for appropriate airfoil
at the span wise section by files and sand paper. The propeller is balanced both horizontally
and vertically and then painted. The test rig is consisting of direct current electric motor fitted
on the base plate with wheel sliding on the rail. Frictional force of between the wheel and rail
surfaces is measured. The propeller is mounted on the shaft of motor. When the propeller is
rotated by motor the thrust will be created. The spring balance is attached to the motor to
measure the thrust when the motor is sliding on the rail. Pitot static tube is used to measure
the velocity of flow from the propeller. For our experimentation purpose we have used 1.95
horse power output motor with extended shaft with key system to fix the propeller. In
theoretical calculation, the thrust has been calculated based on the mathematical formula
given for the thrust measurement of the propeller. Thrust in experiment with different rpm
compared with theoretical values. The frictional losses have been considered.

2. Background:

A fixed pitch is the simplest type of propeller. It is linked mechanically to the engine, and
many of the simpler, light aircraft use it. This simplicity makes these planes easier to fly in
some sense as engine speed is directly linked to propeller speed

A power to drive a propeller through the air is supplied by the engine, the brake horsepower
of which is transformed into thrust by propeller. The propeller may be described as a twisted
airfoil of irregular plane from. There are three general type of propellers these are fixed pitch,
adjustable pitch and controllable pitch [8] then in case of our projects we have produced fixed
pitch propellers, As the name implies that a fixed pitch propellers are the blade are fixed and
cannot adjust the pitch (except rotate), also the blade angle cannot be changed after the
propeller is built. As we compared with others types its light weight, less vibration, minimum
service requirements and simplicity of maintenance.

A propeller blade which helps to transmit power by converting rotational motion into thrust. The
different materials used for propeller blade are wood, aluminum and composite material. The blades
are attached to the hub. A composite is a combination of two materials in which one of the
materials, called the reinforcing phase, is in the form of fibers, sheets, or particles, and is embedded
in the other materials called the matrix phase. A composite material is a heterogeneous combination
of two or more materials differing in form or composition on a macro scale. The reinforcing material
and the matrix material can be metal, ceramic or polymer. The application of composite materials
technology to aircraft architecture has increased with particular benefits of its light weight, less
noise and pressure fluctuation and less fuel consumption.

Fig. Varies type aircraft propellors Hybrid UAV

 Fig. Drone propellors

3. Main objective and Specific objectives:

General Objectives General objective of this project is about to design simple fixed pitch wooden
propeller and testing of propeller performance parameters of wooden propeller. Those performance
parameters are thrust generate by propeller, torque and propeller efficiency..

1.2.2 Specific Objectives

Analyzed bending stress of Australian pine wood by simple support.  Calculate theoretically the
designed propeller thrust and efficiency  Design the test rig for performance testing of the propeller
 Comparing the theoretical and the experimental values of thrust.

4. Methodology

While performing this project, the following methods were employed. The first was reviewing
literature papers, journals, books and other written design materials were accessed. Bending stress
simple support experiments were implemented to identify modulus of elasticity the wood.
SOLIDWORKS software was being applied for modeling of propeller then we used procedural
construction for the wooden fixed pitch propeller. Finally experimental method ware used to
measure the propeller performance parameters.

First propeller performance has special significance in optimization of aircraft design with loads. The
testing the performance of the wooden propeller before installing on the aircraft, second
importance is to get conceptual understands of performance of propellers and how their properties
affect overall propulsion performance. The third is it helps to make decisions regarding the
geometrical parameters of the blade to improve the performance parameters. Other significant of
this study is designing and production of wooden fixed pitch propeller by using different method.

5. Time Plan:

6. Facilities Available for Conducting the Research Project

S/ Machines/ Apparatus Possession status Remark

 No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Where, P – Facilities available NP- Facilities not available (indicate solution)
7. References:
8. Financial Requirement for the Proposed Research Project:

S/No. Item Specifications Unit Quantity Unit price (Birr) Total price (Birr)
1
2
3
4
Sub Total
15% Vat
Total

9. The undersigned agrees to accept responsibility for scientific and technical issues
required to conduct the research project and provision of required documentation and
presentation of the final project during 25th Anniversary program.

Names of the Investigator(s) Signature Date

________________________________ ________________ ____________
________________________________ ________________ _____________
________________________________ ________________ _____________
________________________________ ________________ _____________
________________________________ ________________
____________