We've just posted online some of the propeller data that we've been collecting in wind tunnel tests here on campus. All of the data is here:

http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/props/propDB.html

So far there's data for about 80 propellers. We've tested over 100 and we'll be adding that soon.

The results show a significant drop in efficiency relative to full-scale propellers. The reduced performance is a Reynolds number effect as well as in some cases non-optimal designs (chord, twist, airfoil selections). Also the results show significant differences in performance between different prop manufacturers and styles.

I hope this is useful to designers trying to optimize aircraft performance of UAVs and models (SAE and DBFplanes also).

We just presented this at a conference. The link above includes a paper that describes the methods.

I'm happy to be the first to say thanks for posting this here.  I know that you're likely largely driven by the UAV intrests connected with defense contracts but it's great to see that you still remember your "roots" and fellow modellers...

Yes sir, I agree with Bruce. Thanks.

nice work,thanks

I just wish we had posted before now.   It took awhile!
I tried three attempts to make some gadget that could be used to help filter/search the data.
But that never worked out, so end result is just data.  Lots of data.

I made a simple thrust stand which read thrust (in grams /ounces) and power consumed to acheive thrust (in watts amps and volts) and the rpm read with a simple optical meter.
Is there any other info needed to determine prop efficiency?
PS I am not good at intrepreting data so I had to do it thru example.

wow! now we can see if some of those manufacturer claims hold water!

I'd be interested to see how the props that are said by experience users, to be really good, actually stack up.  For example those Xoar/JXF woodies (i use them because they not only look attractive but they feel like they should be efficient - but then the real world data may show some ugly truths). The guys using big (petrol) engines seem to swear by makes like Vess and use Zingers as paint stirers, but again, real data may hold some surprises!

So, yeah, thanks for sharing, i for one will be watching with interest.