Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Leading-Edge Tubercles on Propeller Performance

The propeller is a fundamental part of an aircraft powered by the turboprops, piston engines, or electric motors. A propeller that spins efficiently through air directly results in environmentally friendly and cost-effective flights. As a part of this novel study, the effect of leading-edge tubercle amplitude and wavelength on propeller efficiency was explored. The effect of leading-edge tubercles on various propeller solidities was also investigated. In addition, the effect of leading-edge tubercles on propeller diameter-to-pitch ratio was also studied for a wide range of advance ratios and rotational velocities. Small-sized aeronautic propellers were considered for the present study. The results predict an increase in efficiency of the modified propellers in comparison with the baseline propellers for all the cases considered in the present study. Therefore, a propeller-driven aircraft with the modified propeller installed in place of the baseline propeller, with an increased thrust-to-torque ratio, will have the potential for a higher maximum rate of climb, lower time to climb, higher absolute and service ceilings, and higher range and endurance, leading to greener and cost-effective flights.