Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1994

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Dhanak, Manhar R.

Abstract

Designing a propeller for optimum performance on a human powered underwater vehicle presents a significant engineering challenge. The propeller must be highly efficient to utilize the inherently low power output of a human. Also, the propeller must be correctly matched to the maximum sustainable torque of the propulsor. This thesis experimentally investigates a minimum induced loss propeller design program and its application to a human powered underwater vehicle. The design program is based on the vortex theory of propellers. The work includes experimental measurements of the velocity and rotational rate of three propellers designed with the minimum induced loss propeller design program. This positively verifies the output of the design algorithm. Also, the research, through the use of an underwater ergometer, determines the maximum power and torque sustainable by a human pedaling underwater. Final results of the research show that the design algorithm overestimates the blade section angles by 25% because the design program neglects the influence of the wake of the vehicle.

Extent

96 p.

Comments

College of Engineering and Computer Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.E.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1994.|College of Engineering and Computer Science

Identifier

FADT15078

Format

pdf

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