Laser Velocimeter Measurements in a Model Propeller Flowfield

The objective of this work was to demonstrate the usability of a laser velocimeter data acquisition and reduction techniques for ensemble-averaged velocity measurements near and between rotating propeller or fan blades. A relatively simple experiment was set up to measure the flowfield of a two-bladed model propeller operating at static (non-flight) conditions to verify the data reduction procedures. The mean velocity and ensemble-averaged blade-to-blade velocity distributions were acquired. The experimental results, plotted in a novel consise form, showed separated and reversed flow regions on a rotating static propeller. The flowfield distortion along the blade height in the vicinity of the propeller disc was also observed.