The purpose of this lab was to gather data on different propellers and propeller configurations using a wind tunnel and then use the data to interpret how the different set ups affect power output and propulsion efficiency. The best data from each propeller was used for calculation of the various performance characteristics. This lab was important to scientists and engineers, as it furthered engineering students’ ability with technology and how to interpret data collected from the Arduino. The lab’s purpose to the overall Jurassic Park project was to observe which propeller and propeller configuration would give the greatest power output and propulsion efficiency.
The objective of this lab was to observe how different power inputs affect current, thrust, and RPM and how each propeller and propeller configuration reacts with the power. This was accomplished by setting the Arduino power setting at 0% then recording the given data from the system. The power settings were recorded from 60% to 10% in increments of 5. The data obtained from each setting were used for calculations for power input, power output, thrust calibration, and updating propulsion efficiency. Tables 1A-C, 2A-C, 3A-C, 4A-C show the data collected, configurations of wind tunnel, and calculations respectively for each different setup. Figure 1 shows all four propellers with best fit lines with power output vs RPM. Figure 2 shows all four propellers with best fit lines with propulsion efficiency vs advanced ratio.
In evaluation of this lab, Figure 1 shows that the 3030 pusher had an overall higher power output than the other three setups. The 2510 puller setup had the lowest overall power output. In Figure 2, the 3030 pusher setup outperformed the others again and had the overall highest efficiency. The 2510 puller setup had the lowest efficiency out of the four. In both graphs, the 3030 propellers outperformed the 2510 propellers. In addition, the pusher setup out performed its corresponding puller setup.
Systematic errors were formed during the data collection portion. The system’s energy was lost to other various forms of energy such as sound and heat which made the power output seem lower than it probably is. In addition, the moment arm which was holding the propeller setup may have interfered with airflow and therefore thrown off our data.
It is recommended that in the final testing, the 3030 Pusher Propeller setup should be used to maximize power output and propulsion efficiency. The 2510 Puller Propeller should be avoided because of its poor ability to produce power output and propulsion efficiency. Data was gathered using a Power Supply Motor Controller, Wind Tunnel Speed Indicator and a Thrust Stand Data Acquisition (DAQ) system. It was also noted that in Figure 2, the peak of the 3030 pusher propeller that produced maximum efficiency was located at about .4 advanced ratio. This knowledge will be used to maximize efficiency and power output in the final AEV design. In lab 8: Design Analysis tool, AEV operations will continue to be analyzed.