Module 17 - Propeller Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary function of a propeller?

A

To convert engine torque into thrust for propulsion.

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2
Q

What are the main types of propellers?

A

Fixed-pitch, variable-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering propellers.

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3
Q

What is the purpose of a constant-speed propeller?

A

To maintain a set RPM by varying the blade pitch based on engine power and airspeed.

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4
Q

What is blade pitch?

A

The angle between the propeller blade chord line and the plane of rotation.

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5
Q

What is the propeller slip?

A

The difference between the geometric and effective pitch, caused by inefficiencies.

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6
Q

What is geometric pitch?

A

The theoretical distance a propeller moves forward in one revolution without slip.

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7
Q

What is effective pitch?

A

The actual distance a propeller moves forward in one revolution with slip accounted for.

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8
Q

How does angle of attack (AoA) affect propeller performance?

A

Increased AoA improves thrust but may lead to drag and stalling if excessive.

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9
Q

What is propeller wash?

A

The accelerated airflow produced by the propeller during operation.

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10
Q

What causes propeller cavitation?

A

Low pressure on the blade surface causing vapor bubbles to form and collapse.

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11
Q

What is propeller torque?

A

The rotational force generated by the engine and applied to the propeller.

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12
Q

What is thrust distribution?

A

The variation of thrust along the length of the propeller blade.

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13
Q

What is the purpose of a feathering propeller?

A

To minimize drag by aligning the blade with the airflow during engine failure.

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14
Q

What is propeller blade twist?

A

A gradual change in blade angle from root to tip to optimize efficiency.

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15
Q

What is the purpose of blade cuffs?

A

To improve airflow to the engine and reduce noise.

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16
Q

What is a propeller hub?

A

The central part of the propeller that connects the blades to the engine shaft.

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17
Q

What are counterweights on a propeller used for?

A

To assist in moving the blades to a higher pitch position.

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18
Q

What is the governor in a constant-speed propeller system?

A

A device that controls oil flow to adjust blade pitch and maintain a constant RPM.

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19
Q

What is the function of the propeller spinner?

A

To streamline the airflow over the hub and protect the propeller assembly.

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20
Q

What is a beta range?

A

The blade pitch range used for ground operations like taxiing and reverse thrust.

21
Q

What is an alpha range?

A

The blade pitch range used during normal flight operations.

22
Q

What is a synchrophaser?

A

A system that reduces noise and vibration by synchronizing the phase of multiple propellers.

23
Q

What is the purpose of a propeller anti-icing system?

A

To prevent ice formation on the propeller blades using electric heat or fluid.

24
Q

What is propeller blade resonance?

A

A vibration phenomenon caused by certain rotational speeds matching blade natural frequencies.

25
Q

What is a propeller blade station?

A

A reference point along the length of a blade, measured from the center of the hub.

26
Q

What materials are commonly used in propeller construction?

A

Aluminum alloy, wood, and composite materials.

27
Q

What is the purpose of a wooden propeller laminating process?

A

To strengthen the propeller and prevent warping.

28
Q

What is the function of a pitch change mechanism?

A

To adjust the propeller blade angle for various flight conditions.

29
Q

What is dynamic balancing of a propeller?

A

Balancing the propeller assembly during operation to reduce vibrations.

30
Q

What is the purpose of a de-icing boot on a propeller?

A

To remove ice by inflating rubber boots with pneumatic pressure.

31
Q

What is the critical range of a propeller?

A

The RPM range where vibrations are most pronounced, to be avoided during operation.

32
Q

What is a ground adjustable propeller?

A

A propeller whose pitch can be adjusted on the ground but not in flight.

33
Q

What is a hydraulically operated propeller?

A

A propeller system that uses oil pressure to change blade pitch.

34
Q

What is a fixed-pitch propeller?

A

A propeller with a non-adjustable blade angle.

35
Q

What is the purpose of counter-rotating propellers?

A

To eliminate torque effects by rotating in opposite directions.

36
Q

What is a reversing propeller?

A

A propeller that can move blades to a negative pitch for reverse thrust.

37
Q

What is blade tracking?

A

The process of ensuring all blades follow the same path during rotation.

38
Q

What is a propeller spinner bulkhead?

A

A structural component that supports the spinner and attaches it to the hub.

39
Q

What is a pitch-lock mechanism?

A

A safety feature that prevents blade pitch reduction in case of system failure.

40
Q

What is a propeller reduction gearbox?

A

A mechanism that reduces engine RPM to optimal propeller RPM.

41
Q

What is propeller feathering?

A

Adjusting the blades parallel to airflow to reduce drag in case of engine failure.

42
Q

What is blade back?

A

The curved surface of a propeller blade that faces forward.

43
Q

What is blade face?

A

The flat surface of a propeller blade that faces the rear.

44
Q

What is a composite propeller blade?

A

A blade made of layered materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass for strength and weight reduction.

45
Q

What is blade root?

A

The portion of the blade nearest the hub.

46
Q

What is blade tip?

A

The outermost portion of the blade farthest from the hub.

47
Q

What is a spinner dome?

A

The forward part of the spinner that covers the hub and blades.

48
Q

What is the primary inspection method for wooden propellers?

A

Visual inspection for cracks, delamination, and damage.