Course detail

Aeroplane Propellers

FSI-OT0Acad. year: 2025/2026

Theory of ideal propulser, efficiency of propeller. Aerodynamic characteristics of propellers. Vortex theory of propellers, design of propeller, calculation of aerodynamics characteristics. Constant pitch and constant speed propellers. Low pressure propeller ventilator. Wind power propellers. Basic theory of helicopter rotor, description of rotor blades, control of helicopter.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Robert Popela, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Aerospace Engineering (LÚ)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of mathematics, differential and integral calculus, ordinary differential equations.
Basic knowledge of physics, mechanics, statics and dynamics.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

A course unit credit is awarded on the basis of checked presence at lectures. Presence at 10 lectures is required at least.
A course unit credit is not awarded unless the presence at lectures is less then 10. In the case of a long term illness (or similar cases) small part of lectures (max. 2 lectures) may be compensated by consultation and home study.

Aims

Students will gain basic information on simple methods of aerodynamic design for aeroplane propellers, low pressure axial compressors, wind power propellers and information on helicopter rotors.
Students will gain the knowledge how to compute and design an aeroplane propeller, low pressure axial compressor and propeller for a wind power station from the aerodynamic point of view. Motion of rotor blades of helicopters will be described too.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Doc. Jiří Švéda: Teotie vrtulí a vrtulníků, , 0

Recommended reading

Alexandrov: Letecké vrtule
Glauert,H: Airplane Propellers. In: Durand, W.F.Aerodynamic Theory, Vol.IV California Institute of Technology, USA

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-LKT-P Master's

    specialization STL , 1 year of study, winter semester, elective
    specialization TLT , 1 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Robert Popela, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Ideal propulser theory
Efficiency of a propulser
Aerodynamic characteristics of a propeller
Mutual influence of propeller and airplane
Vortex theory of propellers
Optimization of propellers, basic methods
Design of a propeller, calculation of a propeller characteristics, constant speed propeller
Low pressure duct fan, optimized design
Propeller wind power stations, problems related to wind energy utilization
Design of propeller for wind power station
Propeller's noise, possibilities of propeller noise reduction
Theory of helicopter rotor
Movement of rotor blades and their control during forward flight and zero speed