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How do I calculate thrust ?
How do I calculate the thrust of a motor ?
I know the volts, watts and amps, but is it enough to calculate thrust ? |
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Doing a google search for "rc thrust calculator" will probably prove to you that thrust calculators are not very practical or accurate. There is just too many variable involved.
I think thrust is best measured, not calculated. And measuring it in a static situation, while useful, does not tell you how much thrust will be delivered in flight. But I've found it useful or entertaining to know how much thrust a given motor and prop combo is delivering to the airframe. I do it with a 10 kilogram hanging scale as seen in the photos. The scale is tared out to clear the plane's weight, the motor is run up, and then I see the peak thrust that was obtained in the test. That is close enough for me. For bigger planes I can set the plane on the ground and use the scale on a simple vertical stand with a turning block. The stand is weighted/fastened down, the plane is attached to the scale, and the pulling forces measured. The scale was found on eBay for about $10 shipped. Jack |
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According to my limited testing with various props and EDFs, 115w/ lb thrust for props and 335W/lb for EDFs is a reasonable starting point, with EDFs being more consistent than props. As others have said, the only real way to know is to measure that prop and that motor on a test rig. These starting values assume you are using recommended motor/prop/EDF combos.
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