OPTIMIZATION OF THE PROPELLER BLADES BASED ON CHEMICAL STABLE CARBON PLASTICS

Abstract

The results of the structural optimization of propeller blades are presented taking
into account its composite chemical stable carbon structure and pitch change mechanism of
the propeller and using FSI (Fluid-Structure Interaction) approaches. The optimality criterion
of the problem is the propeller thrust with optimization parameters being the characteristics
of the internal structure of the propeller blade made from a carbon plastic composed by
different angle. Together with the optimization of the blade shape, the problem is considered
which concerns the reduction of the deformations caused by loads occurring during the
operation of the propeller, since significant deformations of the blades lead to decreased thrust.
The use of chemically stable material such as the carbon increases the corrosion resistance of
the finished product (propeller) and increases the shelf life of such products.
Thus, the following optimization problem can be formulated: to find the optimal configuration
of the carbon plastic and its micro-geometrical parameters along the height of the blade to
minimize deformations and increase the thrust of the propeller. At the same time, the
optimization parameters are limited by the weight of the propeller and the strength
characteristics.
The technique presented in the paper allows us to obtain the reliable values of thrust and
reduce the estimated computational time. The influence of the structure and chemical
properties of the composite material on the mechanical properties of the blades is shown; the
values of deformation of the blades under the action of centrifugal and aerodynamic loads are
given.