Design of the Zephyrus Human Powered Airplane Propellers
Open Access
- Author:
- Steinberger, Victoria Lynn
- Area of Honors:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. Mark David Maughmer, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Mark David Maughmer, Thesis Honors Advisor
Kenneth Steven Brentner, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- HPA
Zephyrus
Aerospace Engineering
Sailplane
Propellers - Abstract:
- The PSU Zephyrus Human Powered Airplane is a student-built aircraft created to contend for the Kremer International Sporting Competition. The propulsion system for the aircraft comprises of a cycling pilot, along with the drive-train and propeller aircraft components. The propeller for the PSU Zephyrus has previously been a difficult aspect of the aircraft to design and manufacture, and has been a source of weakness for the performance of the aircraft. Of several tests conducted with the current design, none have been successful in performing as required. Furthermore, the design and use of an efficient and reliable propeller for the aircraft is an important aspect of achieving the necessary flight speed for the Zephyrus. Of several tests conducted with the current design, none have been successful in performing as required. Furthermore, the design and use of an efficient and reliable propeller for the aircraft is an important aspect of achieving the necessary flight speed for the Zephyrus. Therefore, the following paper presents an analysis of the failure of the current propeller design, as well as a proposed new design and manufacturing process. This includes a description of the airfoil selection process, a description of the design and analysis methods used in the new propeller design process, a comparison of the current and new propeller, and suggested manufacturing techniques.