How is propeller efficiency calculated?

Propeller efficiency is calculated by taking the Thrust Horsepower and dividing it by the Shaft Horsepower. This ratio provides insight into how effectively the propeller converts the engine's power output into useful thrust.

Thrust Horsepower represents the power that is actually producing thrust and is calculated based on the thrust created by the propeller. On the other hand, Shaft Horsepower is the total power delivered by the engine to the propeller, without accounting for losses due to factors such as friction and turbulence.

By calculating the ratio of Thrust Horsepower to Shaft Horsepower, one can assess the performance of the propeller. A higher efficiency indicates that the propeller is more effective at converting the available power into thrust, which is critical for determining overall aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

In summary, this calculation helps pilots and engineers understand the effectiveness of the propeller in converting power into propulsion, guiding decisions on performance and efficiency improvements.