Propulsion Help: Seeking Advice on ROV Propellers

[Iveness92]

Hello Forum.
I'm new here, and thought this would be a good place to ask some questions. Currently at my school, we are building an ROV for a competition.

I came here to ask specifically about propellers in terms of sizes, and rpm.

Last years team entered the competition without any knowledge of the propeller section, so they failed. Lol. So this year we decided to take it a little more serious.

I'll have more information of what power the ROV will be running at (I think it might be 12 Volts) and it's density and buoyancy.

If anyone can share any knowledge in terms of an equation for propellers, in relation to RPM and diameter size would be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot, Cisco.

 

[Topher925]

I don't have any data for you, but check out www.rcgroups.com. There is a LOT of testing and benchmarking done in the airplane forums.

 

[oswaler]

Hello Cisco,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on taking your ROV competition seriously this year. Propellers are a crucial component in the propulsion system of an ROV and selecting the right propeller size and RPM can greatly impact the performance of your ROV.

In terms of an equation for propellers, there are a few factors that need to be considered such as the power of the ROV, its weight, and the desired speed. The most commonly used equation for propeller design is the Bp=Rpm*Sqrt(D*P), where Bp is the pitch of the propeller, Rpm is the revolutions per minute, D is the diameter of the propeller, and P is the power of the ROV. This equation can help you determine the optimal combination of RPM and diameter for your propeller.

However, it is important to note that propeller design is a complex process and there are many other factors that need to be taken into account, such as the shape and number of blades, the material of the propeller, and the water conditions in which the ROV will be operating. It is best to consult with a professional or do thorough research before making a final decision on the propeller design for your ROV.

I also recommend testing different propeller sizes and RPMs to see which combination works best for your specific ROV. Good luck with your competition and I hope this information helps. Don't hesitate to ask for further assistance or clarification on any propeller-related questions.

Best, , Scientist