Explore: Propellers in Action

Engines are only one part of propulsion systems.  Piston engines are designed to be used specifically to turn propellers at high speeds.  Propellers are shaped like wings, but with a twist.

The wing shape works in the usual way by forming a region of fast-moving air and slow-moving air.  According to Bernoulli’s Principle, this results in a difference in air pressure that will produce enough force to pull the object forwards or upward.

Propellers can be used to produce thrust to move an object forward.

They are also used commonly to produce lift so an object moves upward.

Propellers vary depending on how they are used.  Changing the size, shape, and material of a propeller affects how well the propeller works. You will be testing various propeller designs in this next activity.

You will be constructing one propeller from normal paper and one from heavier weight cardstock to see which propeller will fly better.

  Notebook: What makes a good propeller?

  1. Complete the activity and save to your Flight Notebook.           Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the file. Click here for a PDF version of the file.


  Check Your Answers

Answers will vary, but you should have noticed the following things in your tests:

  • In general, a lighter propeller will stay in the air longer because it has less gravity (weight) pulling down on it. However, if the paper is too flimsy, it might compromise the shape of propeller. The strength of material also must be taken into account.