Application of Unconstrained Optimization Techniques for Designing a Composite Conventional Propeller

Abstract

Applying numerical optimization techniques, a propeller of conventional geometry is designed from composite materials.   Ply orientation angles of the composite material have been used as the design variables, to achieve various design objectives.   The design objectives in this work were maximizing the propeller coefficient of thrust, minimizing the coefficient of power, and maximizing the propeller efficiency.   It is shown in this study that all the design objectives can be achieved by arranging the orientation angles and stacking sequence properly within the composite laminate.   Improvements of up to 47% were obtained compared to a metallic propeller of the same geometry.