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For Engineers · Propeller Thrust

Propeller Thrust for a solar sail

Built for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed. Simulate a solar sail live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Propeller ThrustLive

actuator-disk theory

Controls

Presets

Power (kW)

Diameter (m)

Airspeed (m/s)

Momentum theory treats a propeller as a disk that accelerates the air passing through it, and the reaction is thrust. For a given power, a bigger disk moves more air more gently — producing more thrust at higher efficiency. That is why efficient props and helicopter rotors are large and slow, while jets accept lower efficiency for compactness and speed.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Thrust1383 N

Static thrust2498 N

Induced velocity6.1 m/s

Propulsive eff.83%

Governing equation

T = 2 ρ A (V + v_{i}) v_{i} \approx 1383 N, A = \frac{π}{4} (1.8)^{2} = 2.54 m^{2}

Reading this result: At 30 m/s the prop produces 1383 N at 83% efficiency; wasted energy shows up as the 6.1 m/s slipstream.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for engineers?: Yes — this version of "Propeller Thrust for a solar sail" is framed for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.