Variable Pitch Propeller | Propeller Aerodynamics and Distributed Propulsion

Variable Pitch Propeller

This research studies variable collective pitch propellers as active aerodynamic devices rather than fixed-thrust components. The work examines how blade pitch, incidence angle, and flight speed combine to shape thrust, power, and moment generation in forward flight and near-edgewise flight. Across the studies, variable pitch emerges as a way to adapt propeller behavior to changing operating conditions, especially when the rotor is no longer aligned with a simple axial inflow.

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Propellers & Air Mobility

Variable Pitch Flight Dynamics Infographic infographic — Variable Pitch Flight Dynamics Infographic

Contributors

Students who contributed to this work

Students connected to the publications and projects represented on this page.

Contributor

Jacky Cai

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Contributor

Samuel Parlett

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Publications

Research publications in this area

Publication entries include citation details and student contributors where available.

Experimental Investigation of a Variable Pitch Propeller at Various Incidence Angles in Foward Flight

Students

Jacky Cai Samuel Parlett

Citation

Parlett, Samuel L., Jielong Cai, Sidaard Gunasekaran, and Michael Ol. "Experimental Investigation of a Variable Pitch Propeller at Various Incidence Angles in Foward Flight." In AIAA SCITECH 2025 Forum, p. 1267. 2025. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-1267

Experimental Investigation of a Variable Collective Pitch Propeller in Near Edgewise Flight

Students

Jacky Cai Samuel Parlett

Citation

Parlett, Samuel L., Jielong Cai, Michael V. OL, and Sidaard Gunasekaran. "Experimental Investigation of a Variable Collective Pitch Propeller in Near Edgewise Flight." In AIAA SCITECH 2026 Forum, p. 0026. 2026. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2026-0026