Anything over 1 balanced blade will introduce a loss of efficiency in a prop. So I can give at least a general answer based upon my experience.
Without getting into all the specifics the 2 vs 3 blades are similar in climb and top speed PROVIDED they are set to the same WOT rpm in level flight.
2 blade vs 3 blade prop. 3 blade props also tend to be quieter assuming the blade length is less than the appropriate 2 blade at full power and the perceived cabin noise is likely less but thats more about the 50 higher fundamental frequency of the noise and the greater attenuation available at higher frequencies than an actual lowering of the noise level at the prop. Its not so much that the 3-blade generates less noise than the 2-blade but that the noise is shifted in frequency due to the fact that the blades are shorter. Being shorter the tips dont travel as fast.
Due to the extra blade the vibration pulses are closer together in time higher frequency as well so you dont feel it as much. 2 vs 3 blade props. Each blade flies in the wake of the preceding blade While a three blade is slightly less efficient than a two blade prop it has nothing to do with the above.
This is because the blade. Doesnt fly in the wake of the preceding blade. By the time the next.
Continue reading to decide for yourself which is better. When speed and efficiency are prioritized 2 blade props make more sense and they tend to be used in lightweight drones with less powerful motors. If flight stability and more thrust are desired such as in heavier drones then 3.
Thats why 2-blade props are more efficient than 3-blade props. 2-blade propellers are slightly longer in length compared to 3-blade propellers. Due to this 2-blade propellers are able to provide more speed.
When it comes to speed you need a motor that can respond fast. I am debating to replace my 2 blade prop with a 3 blade prop and wondering if its worth the 500 to 600 costs. On my previous sailboat I purchased a Max prop feathering prop and I loved it but it costs me 3000 plus and it is not the type of expense that I want to spend right now and that was a completely different sailboat than what I have now which is a heavy cutter.
Their explanation of why more blades produces less noise is pretty good. A 2-blade propeller produces two pressure pulses per revolution where a 3-blade propeller will produce three smaller pulses per revolution for the same amount of total thrust which is inherently smoother and therefore quieter. 2 blade is a hare quicker Better reverse and better in mud.
Has a quick hole shot in shallow water. Was told it runs a load little better but havent tested that yet 3 blade has little to no vibration and hops up pretty quick In deep water Absolutely blows in reverse with any kind of vegitation have to stop every 5 ft to clear the prop. 3 blades a less efficient that 2 blades.
I have always been told that you need to go up in diameter or pitch or both when going from 2 blade to 3 blade but Im not sure if that is true or not. Im not concerned about pitch speed because I can always throttle back. However if there isnt enough thrust diameter then thats a problem.
3-blade prop carries 33 less load than a 2-blade prop of same total area. It was found that this was a real advantage to propeller design. The reduced load on each blade allows the propeller designer to make the blades thinner and lighter which is more efficient while still being strong enough to carry the required load.
Two bladed propellers are more efficient than 3 or 4 bladed propellers so long as the propeller tips do not approach supersonic speeds. Three and four bladed propellers are used on model planes because of ground clearance and scale appearance considerations only. A 2-blade propeller produces two pressure pulses per revolution whereas a 3-blade propeller will produce three smaller pulses per revolution for the same amount of total thrust.
As a result the 3-blade prop will be inherently smoother and therefore quieter. Prop walk - I am told 3 blade causes a lot less prop walk in reverse than 2 blade which is a big bonus if its true. Efficiency - I read a claim from a prop mfg that the 2 blade should never be on a sailboat because half the prop is directly in the keel wake all the time and obviously with a 3 blade it would only be 13.
The primary reason for three bladed props on full scale aircraft is ground clearance. A three bladed propeller will absorb more power in a given diameter than a two bladed prop but is a little less efficient. On model aircraft the main reason is that like JimCasey said on some models they look so cool.
2-blade vs 3-blade props - advice please. I took the plunge and ordered a 3-blade Kiev. The upgraded pistons appear to have increased single person full-fuel climb by about 300-400fpm using my beat-up Warp.
I should have the Kiev in January and Ill let you know how I like it. But I owned a Beechcraft for 30 years and flew it half that time with 2 blades half with 3. So I can give at least a general answer based upon my experience.
3 blades is noticeably quieter in the cabin. The engine runs smoother less vibration. Ground clearance is improved because the blades can be.
2 blade prop VS 3 blade Prop. True statement up to a point. More blades equals more drag.
The most efficient prop would be a single bladed prop but impractical. Anything over 1 balanced blade will introduce a loss of efficiency in a prop. At the same time the increased amount of air moving means that you will get more thrust.
The loss of efficiency means that going from 1 to 2 blades will not improve thrust by a factor of 2same with going from 2 to 3 blades. Thrust will not increase by a factor of 13. As a two blade will have less drag than a 3 blade while not much more drag there is more drag in your mind and you will use it as an excuse as to why the boat is going slow.
Three Blade If you use your boat for cruising or if you have to power in to a current every time you go. Without getting into all the specifics the 2 vs 3 blades are similar in climb and top speed PROVIDED they are set to the same WOT rpm in level flight. The best all around balanced rpm for a ground adjustable prop for us is 5600-5650 rpm WOT in level flight at YOUR AVERAGE ALTITUDE.
2 blades have a wider frequency vibration in the frame vs a 3. It looks like someone could get a composite 3-bladed prop for a little over 12000 vs a 2-bladed one for 9400. I hear that 2-bladed props are a little lighter faster and noisiervs quieter and less vibration in the 3-bladed version.
Plus the 3-bladed one does look a little cooler on the ramp. 2 blade prop vs 3 blade. Back in the early 60s they would say a 2 blade was for speed and a 3 blade was for power when you were going to pull a number of skiers mainly at take off.
For the guick giddy-up and go. One of the main reasons people seem to choose 4 blade propellers over 3 blade propellers is the benefits afforded by the increased blade area given by the extra blade. This extra blade area provides increased water displacement capability greater lift and better grip than the.