The design and construction of model ship propeller blades in hybrid composite materials

A description is given of the design and construction in hybrid composite materials of a model ship propeller for use in wind tunnel tests The reasons for the choice of a glass/carbon reinforced composite material for the blade manufacture are discussed. Results are presented for tests carried out on hybrid composite samples prepared by wet-Iav-up by hand under practical manufacturing conditions. The design stress levels used in the final design were based on the test results for the samples. A description is given of the blade design and the production method. Successful operation of the propeller has confirmed the suitable application of the chosen material for the blades