deej
Well Known Member
Hi all,
I am having a discussion with an acquaintance about the role that a metal prop plays in the cooling of a traditional aircraft engine, like a Lycoming O-320/360, specifically in heat being transferred to the prop via the crankshaft and the corresponding dissipation of that heat from the surface area of the prop to the air.
One of us expresses that a metal prop plays a major role, whereas the other expresses the prop plays a very minor role, if any.
The first question for the group, does anyone have any references to actual data and/or research directly related to this topic? I will likely be sending a query to Lycoming and/or Continental asking them, but thought it worthwhile to ask here first.
The second question, has anyone changed from a metal prop to a composite or wood prop, or visa-versa, and seen any changes in the temperature measurements on the engine (CHT, EGT, oil, etc)? The thought is that since wood and composite materials do not transfer heat as readily as metal, we should see a difference in the other temps if the prop does play a role in dissipation cooling.
Thank you,
-Dj
I am having a discussion with an acquaintance about the role that a metal prop plays in the cooling of a traditional aircraft engine, like a Lycoming O-320/360, specifically in heat being transferred to the prop via the crankshaft and the corresponding dissipation of that heat from the surface area of the prop to the air.
One of us expresses that a metal prop plays a major role, whereas the other expresses the prop plays a very minor role, if any.
The first question for the group, does anyone have any references to actual data and/or research directly related to this topic? I will likely be sending a query to Lycoming and/or Continental asking them, but thought it worthwhile to ask here first.
The second question, has anyone changed from a metal prop to a composite or wood prop, or visa-versa, and seen any changes in the temperature measurements on the engine (CHT, EGT, oil, etc)? The thought is that since wood and composite materials do not transfer heat as readily as metal, we should see a difference in the other temps if the prop does play a role in dissipation cooling.
Thank you,
-Dj