A propeller (16, figure 1) comprises a plurality of blades, (20a, 20b, figure 2a) formed from a core 4 of a selected metal or metal alloy, and a deformable material 6 such as a polyurethane rubber. The propeller may be formed so that the deformable material substantially encloses a cavity in the blade. In some embodiments, the blade may be formed by casting the core from a metal or alloy, then the deformable material poured in liquid form around the cast. Preferably, the deformable material deforms as the propeller spins, altering the locations of the stiffness and lift axes, (26, 28, figure 3c) of the blade, and altering its hydrodynamic properties. In some embodiments, the deformable material may be placed to form a pattern which mimics shark skin or the skin of a fish or mammal.
Improvements to a propeller for a water craft
2022-03-30
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B63H Schiffsantrieb oder Steuerung der Schiffe , MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING |
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