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Aeronautical Engineering/Wind powered electric generators

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Expert: - 10/16/2010


Question
Today I experimented in the differents designs and shapes for propellers. I found out that propellers with blades angled slightly in the direction of the wind spins quickly in slow winds. Why is that so?

Answer
By angling the blade you have given it an angle of attack.  The wind induces a lift force that has a component in the direction of rotation.  All wind turbines work on this principle. But if you work with propellers you already know this.  Have I misunderstood your question ?
Paul

Aeronautical Engineering

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Paul Soderman

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Aeronautics, Fluid Mechanics, Aeroacoustics, Noise Control, Muffler Design, Wind Tunnel Research.... I know nothing about India - do not ask about schools, jobs, application requirements, career choices, etc. for India. Please, no text message verbiage; I prefer full words in full sentences. Thanks.

Experience

38 years as research engineer at NASA

Publications
AIAA, NASA

Education/Credentials
B.S. and M.S. Aeronautical Engineering - U. of Washington Graduate work Standford U.

Awards and Honors
AIAA Associate Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

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