What is the definition of a fixed pitch propeller?

"Pitch" describes how much the blade of the propeller is twisted relative to
the path it travels as it turns. This is also known as the angle of attack, and is
usually measured in inches. Imagine the propeller turning through the water or
air. If it moves forward following the angle of the pitch perfectly, and moves
forward 10 inches in one full revolution, it is said to have a pitch of 10 inches.
fi!ed pitch prop cannot be ad"usted or changed. It has one pitch, which is
usually a compromise between speed and power. In a boat, a power prop might
get a water skier up on skis #uickly, but not be able to go very fast once they are
up. speed prop would mean that the boat could go faster than the power prop,
but would have trouble getting the skier up out of the water.
It works the same on an airplane $ a power prop would let the plane climb at a
steeper angle or carry more weight, but a speed prop would let it go faster, but
climb slower.
%ariable pitch props are those that can change the angle of attack. If the operator
or pilot can do this while driving the boat or flying the plane, they can have the
best of both worlds. &ome, however, can only be ad"usted on the ground or at
the dock.
'ost of the propellers that we come across are (i!ed Pitch propellers)(PP*. +ut
there are propellers known as ,ontrollable Pitch Propellers ),PP*, that can move
their blades about their own a!is. &o what are the uses of movable blades and
how it is more beneficial than the (i!ed Pitch Propeller.
Introduction
-enerally propellers are of two types$ Fixed Pitch Propellers( FPP) and
Controllable or Variable Pitch Propellers( CPP). (PP consists of fi!ed
blades. This means that the position of blades cannot be changed. .n the
,ontrary, ,PP can move its blade in the desired position by changing the pitch of
the blades. &o what difference does that make/
In (PP the power generated by the engine and the propulsive forces produced
by the propeller cannot be controlled. This leads to high amount of power
wastage and increased stresses on the propeller. +ut in a ,PP all these can be
prevented by "ust changing the pitch of the propeller. This function of ,PP makes
it an integral part of the propulsion system of a ship.
striking aspect of a ,PP is that the propeller rotates in only one direction,
unlike (PP. Thus there is no need of a reverse clutch, which is an integral part of
(PP for producing reverse thrust, in case the ship needs braking or reversing.
How Variable Pitch Propellers Work?
The mechanism that controls the blades movement is located in the boss of the
propeller. This mechanism can be operated from both, the engine room and
bridge, with the help of hydraulic cylinders. Incase the hydraulic system fails, the
blades can be locked in the ahead position with the help of a locking device. 0ow
let1s have a look as to how a ship can be propelled forward and backwards "ust
by movement of the blades.
The diagram shows the cross section of blades. 2e will assume that the ship is
moving in the ahead direction and the arrows shows the direction of the forces
generated that pushes the ship forward. 2hen the blade is at 3ero position, the
propulsive forces acting on both the sides are e#ual in magnitude, but opposite in
direction.4ven though the net propulsive force is 3ero, the propeller absorbs a
large amount of energy to convert it to wake turbulence. If the ship is to reverse,
the blades are moved even further, this will result in a propulsive thrust in the
forward direction, facilitating the ship to reverse.
The position of blades are ad"usted according to the load of the ship.
Advantages of CPP
,PP can operate with minimum or negligible loss in power. This helps to
improve maneuverability of the vessel.
The direction from ahead to astern can be changed in a matter of few
minutes or even seconds depending on the condition of the load of the
ship. This not only helps to absorb all the power generated by the engine
but also helps to prevent wastage of fuel.In some ,PP the direction of the
thrust can be changed within 15$60 seconds.
,PP can also be connect to a shaft generator.
It can be used for a wide range of rotational speed.
Disadvantages of CPP
The main disadvantage of ,PP is that it is a highly comple! system
It is vulnerable due to numerous hydraulic components and sealing
rings.s the sealing rings are outside the ship, damage of a single sealing
ring can result in oil pollution.
s the system is comple!, repairs and maintenance is difficult.
Additional Features
,PP can be connected to a &haft generator. shaft generator can
supply power on the ship till the time the main engine is running. ,PP can be
used to maintain the fre#uency of the generator as the 4ngine moves on a
constant rpm.
In case during the navigation time additional energy is needed, an au!ilary
generator can be used to provide additonal power to the shaft generator. This is
mainly used during maneuvering. If this is done, main engine should be
disconnected from the reduction gear to prevent it from getting damage.