Thread: Propeller walk
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Charles Momsen Charles Momsen is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Sep 2008
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Default Propeller walk


"Joe" wrote in message
...
On Dec 11, 12:00 pm, "Wilbur Hubbard"
wrote:
"Charles Momsen" wrote in message

...

This graph:


http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/lin....html&edu=high


Shows the density of water as a function of depth. Water density changes
from 1.025 gm/cm^3 to 1.026 gm/cm^3 in 250 feet. That's a change of 0.1%
in 250 ft. Since that portion of the curve is linear, one can estimate
that water density would change .0004% over the diameter (tip to tip) of
a 12 inch propeller. So is a .0004% change in water density (in the
vertical plane no less) going to walk a boat sideways? Don't think so.


Think, Momsen, think! There are very large forces at work when a propeller
is turning at speed. You are stuck on static in your thinking. Picture it
this way. Let's say you were riding a bicycle at 1mph and you had a ten
mile
per hour headwind. You would experience an 11mph head wind. Now, if you
aren't a girly-man you should be able to sprint up to 35mph. You would
then
experience a 45mph headwind. Suddenly your inconsequential wind has great
consequence.

It's the same way with a propeller and the lift vs.drag coefficient. Even
a
very small density difference results in a significant drag difference
between the top half of the prop and the bottom half of the prop. But
there
is another thing that has a greater effect than density causing density to
be only part of the equation. Water density does not vary greatly due to
the
fact that it doesn't compress easily. What does change significantly with
depth is water pressure (divers say 1 atmosphere for every 15 feet?) The
more pressure = the more drag for the propeller. I hope this helps.

Wilbur Hubbard


Let me use examples you may understand Neal.

Ever mix paint in a 5 gallon bucket with a paint mixing propellor on a
drill?
Why is the propellor in the paint pulled off center?

A dairy has huge tanks to store milk. They keep the creme mixed in
the milk with propellors on long shafts.
They hang straight down , he shaft is vertical. When you turn them on
the long shafts bend some in the direction of wheel walk.
Are you saying that it is pressure difference when the prop is
horizional causing the walk?

When a propellor flys off an airplane they never go straight, they
spin off in the direction of walk.

Think path of least resistance to the face of the fluke

Hope this helps.

Joe

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Joe,

Thanks to your input, that of Wilbur and others I believe I have come up
with the most plausible explanation for propeller walk. This explanation may
even impress Blondie!

The cause of the prop walk is due to 2 effects, namely the Magnus Effect and
the Coanda Effect. They can be found he

http://lpmpjogja.diknas.go.id/kc/a/air/airplane.htm

The spinning prop creates a vortex of water that is moving relative to water
surrounding it, especially if the prop is angled down relative to the
water's surface. A right hand prop on a forward moving boat would create a
downward angling vortex that had higher relative velocity to the surrounding
moving water on the starboard side and lower on the port. Viewing the vortex
as a rotating cylinder moving through a fluid, the lift would be generated
to port, as is observed. The Coanda Effect would explain the draggging and
leakage of water laterally by the prop. I believe these explanations are the
simplest and consistent with all observed effects, including paint stirrers
in Joe's buckets.

I searched and could find no explanation of prop walk using the Magnus or
Coanda Effect. Mostly what I found was the same false pablam of water
density and other voodoo science mindlessly regurgitated by babbling
non-thinking parrots.

It was only with the great minds combined here on ASA that such previous
unexplained hydrodynamic effects have come to full understanding for the
greater benefit of mankind. Yes, ASA is slowly rising from the dismal swamp
it had once become to shining paragon of truth, justice and the American
way! Good work to all, and let's keep our noses to the grindstone!

Admiral Momsen