0
$\begingroup$

I've found several questions about differences between pusher and puller aircraft, but the effectiveness of control surfaces was not discussed in any of them.

Consider the following three scenarios:

  • A: Aerodynamic surface in undisturbed flow
  • B: Aerodynamic surface with a puller propeller
  • C: Aerodynamic surface with a pusher propeller

In what case is the lift force generated due to the control surface deflection larger? What differences are there between B and C?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

A propeller has more effect on a control surface behind it, than on one in front of it. That's because the propeller pulls in air from a large area in front, and ejects it in a relatively narrow stream behind. Since the mass flow rate is the same on both sides, the air in front moves fairly slowly, and the air behind moves faster. Forces on a control surface in an airflow depend on the square of the airspeed, so a control surface in the fast-moving air behind the propeller will deliver larger forces for a given deflection than one put in the slower-moving air in front. Look up Axial Fan Design on Wikipedia, for a cross-sectional view of the airflow through a propeller.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .