PW_Plack
11-15-2005, 12:55 PM
In a couple other threads, the aerodynamics of the rear end of pusher gyros are under discussion. In these discussions, it has been noted that the relatively short distance between the back of the cabin and the prop make it difficult to achieve a gradual taper to the gyro's tail cone.
Chuck Beaty mentioned a very large prop hub spinner as one approach to producing a more gradual taper.
Since a large mass attached to the the prop would create new challenges in balance and precession management, what about a cone of the same shape, but not attached to the prop? What if we could attach a similar shape to the rear of the keel, as close to the prop as fabrication tolerances, prop coning and structural rigidity would allow? Would it serve the same aerodynamic purpose as a hub spinner, or would its functionality be compromised because it did not spin?
I understand that getting it wiggle-free on a typical keel would be daunting, and weight-&-balance issues would need attention, but assume for the sake of argument it could be done. Comments?
Chuck Beaty mentioned a very large prop hub spinner as one approach to producing a more gradual taper.
Since a large mass attached to the the prop would create new challenges in balance and precession management, what about a cone of the same shape, but not attached to the prop? What if we could attach a similar shape to the rear of the keel, as close to the prop as fabrication tolerances, prop coning and structural rigidity would allow? Would it serve the same aerodynamic purpose as a hub spinner, or would its functionality be compromised because it did not spin?
I understand that getting it wiggle-free on a typical keel would be daunting, and weight-&-balance issues would need attention, but assume for the sake of argument it could be done. Comments?