The analysis of NC machining efficiency for marine propellers

In order to investigate the properties of the surface profile, in the present dissertation the famous Gaussian first and second fundamental forms have been studied. Combined with the results of mathematical models, the geometrical properties, which include the normal curvature, the principal curvature, the first principal direction and the second principal direction, are investigated. The analysis of curvature and the items that had identified above are necessary and fundamental for propeller surface NC programming. Moreover, the cutting tool analysis and the mathematical models involved are supplied in the present dissertation. These results can be important in propeller design, manufacturing and detecting. The mathematical models are based on the propeller blade surface. Only a little change of the process is necessary in solving similar and related problems. Therefore, it is worthwhile to apply this tool widely. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.