Fewer blades = more efficiency
More blades = better power loading
More blades = less efficiency
Larger disc size = better power loading
Larger disc size = faster tip speeds = lower efficiency
Propellers are undoubtedly the most complicated piece of engineering on an aircraft. Just bought a new McCauley for the family airplane. Not Cheap trust me....
McCauley Propeller Systems
You can also bet that all the engineers during WWII did their homework. I know Mtt and Focke Wulf both tested 4 bladed designs on their aircraft. It was found that what one design made up in efficiency, it lost in power loading and vice versa. As such Focke Wulf concluded that was no appreciable difference other than weight savings on the 3 bladed propeller.
Of course Tony's assertion is an added benefit!
All the best,
Crumpp
More blades = better power loading
More blades = less efficiency
Larger disc size = better power loading
Larger disc size = faster tip speeds = lower efficiency
Propellers are undoubtedly the most complicated piece of engineering on an aircraft. Just bought a new McCauley for the family airplane. Not Cheap trust me....
McCauley Propeller Systems
You can also bet that all the engineers during WWII did their homework. I know Mtt and Focke Wulf both tested 4 bladed designs on their aircraft. It was found that what one design made up in efficiency, it lost in power loading and vice versa. As such Focke Wulf concluded that was no appreciable difference other than weight savings on the 3 bladed propeller.
Of course Tony's assertion is an added benefit!
All the best,
Crumpp