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Ducted Propeller Efficiency

CSEF · 2012 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only)

Jennifer N. Zurlinden · Goleta Valley Junior High School, Goleta, Santa Barbara County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective is to determine if a marine propeller operating in a duct is more efficient than one without? If so, how long should the duct be to make it most efficient? Methods/Materials I dropped a scale three blade propeller with four different duct lengths through a tank of water 22 inches deep and counted the number of revolutions the propeller spun on a threaded shaft. Each propeller/ duct assembly was dropped 20 times and the revolutions made by the propeller were counted to within 1/21 of a revolution. Results I found that a propeller has a greater efficiency with a duct rather than without one. I also found that the longer the duct the greater the efficiency. The data for a 3 inch ducted demonstrated a 12% increase in efficiency. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion is that a propeller has a greater efficiency with a duct rather than without one. I also found that, to a point, the longer the duct the greater the efficiency.

Summary statement

My project is to determine if a ducted propeller is more efficient than a non-ducted propeller.

Help received

Father helped me build propeller mount.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2012 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0130

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