Lab 5: System Analysis 1 – Propulsion Efficiency

The System Analysis 1 Lab allowed the students to quantitatively evaluate the efficiency of two distinct propeller systems: propellers in the tractor (or puller) configuration, and the pusher configuration. In this lab, the students were familiarized with the wind tunnel testing equipment that were used to simulate actual Advance Energy Vehicles (AEVs) in motion with using just the propeller and motor. The generated readings, including current, propellers’ revolutions per minute, and thrust scale readings enabled the students to determine the most energy efficient propeller configuration through calculations and the graphing of propulsion efficiency and propeller advance ratio. The knowledge gained from this lab will enable the students to make any necessary changes in their AEV design, specifically in terms of propeller configuration to complete the AEV’s mission in designing an energy-efficient vehicle. See executive summary below for more details of the lab.

Executive Summary 5