NebulaDDS

I know this is an absolute no-no, and I'd never do it....not even in a pinch. But I'm wondering why this is the case. What is/are the differences between props intended for electric motors and props intended for glow engines?

mikegordon10

Quite simply stated, RPMs. Lecky less, IC more. I think that pretty well covers it.

firstplaceaviator

My Feedback: (27)

Electric props are much thinner and have much less material at the hub. They don't need to be as strong as a glow prop because they are not subjected to hand starting, engine vibration, or kick backs that are so common with 4 stroke engines.

Deadeye

Look at the prop hubs of an electric vs. nitro or gas. The hubs on IC engine props are quite a bit beefier. This is because of the sheer torque and abuse an IC engine puts out. Electric motors provide a much smoother spool up.

firstplaceaviator

My Feedback: (27)

Not really, My Jet screamer has been tached at 37K RPM with a 4.75x4.5 APC prop. The most RPM I have ever seen with a glow engine was about 26K RPM with a piped Rossi .15 and 30% nitro.

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

It's a torque and combustion impulse thing. The electrics spool up clean and smooth while an IC is always slamming the prop with the impact from an explosion. You can't see it, but an IC prop is experiencing some pretty jerky impulse forces every time it goes around. The hub has to be strong enough to keep the blade attached each time it's slammed forward. Electrics don't experience that.

Bad_Daddy

DeadEye and Pat Roy typed in the CORRECT response - smooth electrical power versus explosive (jerky) combustion power.

Clint H

My Feedback: (1)

Another consideration would be weight. As I understand it, a propeller acts like a flywheel on an engine. An electric prop has far less mass and would probably effect the engine's reliability at idle.

mikegordon10

I stand corrected.