Electric Motor and Propeller Thrust Calculator

Electric motor and propeller thrust depend on factors like motor power, propeller efficiency, and gravity. Thrust can be calculated using the formula: Thrust (in pounds) = Motor Power (in watts) / Propeller Efficiency / Gravity (32.2 ft/s²). Proper selection and balance of propellers for brushless motors can optimize thrust and efficiency for various applications.

Electric Motor and Propeller Thrust Calculator









Thrust (N):

AspectDescription/Formula
Motor Power (Watts)Input electrical power to the motor.
Propeller Efficiency (Estimated)Efficiency factor, typically around 0.7 for estimation.
Gravity (m/s² or ft/s²)Acceleration due to gravity (approx. 9.8 m/s² or 32.2 ft/s²)
Thrust (Pounds or Newtons)Force generated by the motor and propeller.
Rotor ThrustThrust produced by a rotor (e.g., drone rotor).
Propeller Static Thrust FormulaThrust at zero forward speed (use standard thrust formula).
Propeller Power (Watts)Power output of the propeller (Thrust × Velocity).
Thrust StandDevice used to measure propeller thrust.
Propeller Inertia FormulaInertia (lb-ft²) = 0.000742 × Propeller Mass × Radius².
Pounds of Thrust per Horsepower (HP)Approximately 4.5 lb of thrust per 1 HP.
Horsepower per Pound of ThrustApproximately 0.222 HP per 1 lb of thrust.
Recommended Propeller SizesProvided by manufacturers based on motor and application.
Brushless MotorMore powerful and efficient compared to brushed motors.
Toroidal PropellersDesigned for improved efficiency and reduced noise.
Propeller Efficiency ImprovementProper selection, balance, and design optimization.
Thrust and Torque RelationshipThrust = Torque × RPM.
Propeller Velocity FormulaVelocity (m/s) = 2 * π * RPM * Radius (meters).
Thrust Horsepower FormulaThrust HP = (Thrust × Velocity) / 550.
RPM Impact on ThrustRPM can affect thrust, but efficiency may plateau.
Propeller Size Impact on ThrustLarger propellers can generate more thrust but may need more power.

FAQs

  1. How do you calculate the thrust of a motor and propeller? Thrust is typically calculated by considering the propeller’s performance and the motor’s power output. The formula is:Thrust (in pounds) = Motor Power (in watts) / Propeller Efficiency (estimated, typically around 0.7) / Gravity (approximately 32.2 ft/s²)
  2. What is the formula for rotor thrust? The formula for rotor thrust is the same as the one mentioned above, which calculates thrust for a motor and propeller combination.
  3. How do you measure propeller thrust? Propeller thrust can be measured using a thrust stand, which involves mounting the propeller and motor on a calibrated platform that measures the force exerted by the propeller.
  4. What is the formula for propeller static thrust? The formula for propeller static thrust is the same as the thrust formula mentioned earlier.
  5. How do you convert propeller horsepower to thrust? Propeller horsepower can be converted to thrust by using the formula mentioned in question 1.
  6. How do I choose a propeller for a brushless motor? Choosing the right propeller involves considering factors like motor specifications, desired thrust, and the aircraft’s weight. Manufacturers often provide recommended propeller sizes for their motors.
  7. How do you calculate motor thrust? Motor thrust is calculated using the same formula mentioned in question 1.
  8. What is the standard thrust equation? The standard thrust equation is the one mentioned in question 1.
  9. What is the simple thrust formula? The simple thrust formula is also the one mentioned in question 1.
  10. What is the formula for propeller power? Propeller power (in watts) can be calculated as Propeller Thrust (in pounds) × Velocity (in ft/s).
  11. How can you measure thrust? Thrust can be measured using a thrust stand or a calibrated load cell that records the force generated by the propulsion system.
  12. What two factors determine the amount of thrust produced by a propeller? The two main factors determining thrust are the power input (from the motor) and the efficiency of the propeller in converting that power into thrust.
  13. How do you calculate thrust factor? Thrust factor is calculated by dividing the actual thrust produced by the motor and propeller by the theoretical thrust predicted by the design specifications.
  14. Why does propeller thrust decrease with speed? Propeller thrust decreases with speed because at higher speeds, the airflow over the propeller becomes less efficient, leading to reduced thrust.
  15. How do you calculate propeller inertia? Propeller inertia depends on the propeller’s mass and its distance from the rotation axis. The formula is Inertia (in lb-ft²) = 0.000742 × Propeller Mass (in pounds) × Radius (in feet)².
  16. How many pounds of thrust is 1 hp? Approximately 4.5 pounds of thrust is equivalent to 1 horsepower.
  17. How much horsepower is 1 lb of thrust? Approximately 0.222 horsepower is equivalent to 1 pound of thrust.
  18. How many HP is 55 lbs of thrust? Approximately 12.22 horsepower is equivalent to 55 pounds of thrust.
  19. Does more propeller blades mean more thrust? Not necessarily. The number of propeller blades affects efficiency and noise more than thrust. The design and size of the blades also play a crucial role.
  20. How do I know what propeller I need? You need to consider your aircraft’s specifications, motor power, desired thrust, and intended use to choose a suitable propeller. Manufacturers often provide recommendations based on their products.
  21. What makes a brushless motor more powerful? Brushless motors are more powerful due to their efficient design, better heat dissipation, and higher RPM capabilities compared to brushed motors.
  22. Why are toroidal propellers better? Toroidal propellers are designed to improve efficiency and reduce noise. They offer better thrust-to-power ratios and produce less aerodynamic drag.
  23. How can I improve my propeller efficiency? Propeller efficiency can be improved by selecting the right propeller for your motor and aircraft, maintaining proper balance, and optimizing the propeller’s design.
  24. What is the relationship between propeller thrust and torque? Thrust and torque are related through the angular velocity (RPM) of the propeller. Thrust = Torque × RPM.
  25. What is the formula and unit of thrust? The formula for thrust is F = m * a, where F is the force in Newtons (N), m is the mass in kilograms (kg), and a is the acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²).
  26. Is thrust the same as momentum? No, thrust is the force generated by expelling mass (e.g., exhaust gases) in one direction, while momentum is a vector quantity that depends on both mass and velocity.
  27. What is thrust for dummies? Thrust is the force that propels an object forward or upward, typically generated by engines or propellers.
  28. How do you convert force to thrust? Force can be converted to thrust by dividing it by the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²) to get the thrust in Newtons (N).
  29. What is the output power of a propeller? The output power of a propeller is the mechanical power it generates, which can be calculated as Output Power (in watts) = Thrust (in Newtons) × Velocity (in meters per second).
  30. How do you calculate propeller velocity? Propeller velocity depends on the RPM and the diameter of the propeller. It can be calculated as Velocity (in m/s) = 2 * π * RPM * Radius (in meters).
  31. How do you calculate thrust horsepower? Thrust horsepower can be calculated as Thrust (in pounds) × Velocity (in ft/s) / 550.
  32. What is motor thrust? Motor thrust is the force produced by the motor and propeller combination, used to propel an aircraft or vehicle.
  33. How much thrust do I need to fly? The amount of thrust required to fly depends on the weight of the aircraft, its design, and intended flight characteristics. Typically, you need enough thrust to overcome gravity and achieve lift-off.
  34. How does RPM affect thrust? Increasing RPM can increase thrust, up to a point where diminishing returns occur. Beyond a certain RPM, efficiency may decrease, and thrust may plateau or decrease.
  35. How does propeller size affect thrust? Propeller size affects thrust by influencing the amount of air it can move. Larger propellers can potentially generate more thrust, but they may also require more power.
  36. How does a propeller generate thrust? A propeller generates thrust by accelerating air in one direction, which produces an equal and opposite force according to Newton’s third law of motion.
  37. What part of a propeller moves fastest creating more thrust? The outer part of the propeller blade typically moves fastest, generating more thrust due to the higher tangential velocity.
  38. Does increasing speed increase thrust? No, increasing speed typically does not increase thrust. Thrust depends on the motor’s power and the efficiency of the propeller, while speed is influenced by drag and other factors.
  39. What is the most efficient RPM for a propeller? The most efficient RPM for a propeller depends on its design and intended use. Manufacturers often provide recommended operating RPM ranges for their propellers.

Leave a Comment