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Old 05-23-2008 | 09:06 AM
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SkyDawgOne
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Default thrust test prop selection

I suspect this information may be of interest to some. I recently performed static thrust testing of a rear induction 3W 150cc. The test was performed with the engine installed in an aircraft with proper cowling and ducting. The engine has been thoroughly broken in (+7 hours). This is running premium gasoline with 3W synthetic oil mixed 50:1. Also, the 3W ignition modules were replaced with CH ignition modules (long story, but the change was necessary), and the Walbro carb was replaced with a Tillotson carb. I tested 6 props to select the prop with the highest static thrust. The tail of the aircraft was tethered. Spliced inline with the tether was a load cell with voltage output to a data acquisition system. The engine was properly tuned and allowed to warm before performing the test on each prop. All tests were performed on the same day within about a 2 hour time frame. Listed below are the results of the thrust test.

Biela 32x12 55.9lbs @ 5200rpm
Fuchs Freestyle 32x12 51.8lbs @ 4890rpm
Fuchs 32x10 30.8lbs @ 5550rpm
Fuchs 33x10 48.9lbs @ 5400rpm
3W 31.5x8-14 65.4lbs @ 5760rpm
Vess 32A 51.5lbs @ 5500rpm

Also, TBM props website has some very useful information about prop/engine testing and prop selection.