Performance of Asymmetric Propellers Under Varying Blade Spacing

This paper investigates the performance of two-bladed, radially asymmetric propellers with uneven blade spacing during axial flight. The study’s objective is to analyse the impact of blade spacing on thrust, power, and propulsive efficiency in a two-bladed asymmetric propeller. To achieve this, three asymmetric propellers were simulated using the free-vortex wake method, varying blade spacing from 30 to 90 degrees. The study compared the outcomes of the simulations to those of a reference propeller to identify any possible variations in performance. The results indicated only a slight change in overall propeller performance. It was determined that the marginal deterioration in the performance of the propeller was the consequence of the aerodynamic interference effects between the blades, which ultimately offset each other. Therefore, if such propeller geometries offer benefits beyond performance, it is sensible to utilise them.