Aircraft Design MCQ – Propulsion – Piston-Engine and Turboprop Performance
1 - Question
Mass flow rate will be affected by __________
a) altitude
b) weight of the aileron
c) induced drag only
d) longerons weight
View Answer
Explanation: Typically, Mass flow rate can be expressed as follows: mass flow rate = density*Area*Velocity. Density is function of altitude. It depends on the altitude and changes as per the international standard atmosphere. Hence, if density varies then, the mass flow rate will also vary. Hence, we can say that the mass flow rate is affected by the altitude.
2 - Question
A piston engine has bhp of 600 at sea level. Now, if engine is operating at an altitude where density ratio is 0.816 then, find the value bhp at that altitude.
a) 37
b) 89
c) 100
d) 289
View Answer
Explanation: Given, sea level bhp, p1 = 600, density ratio d = 0.816 Now, bhp at an altitude = p1*(d – ((1-d)/7.55)) = 600*(0.814-((1-0.814)/7.55)) = 600*(0.814-(0.1836/7.55) = 600*0.0616 = 37.
3 - Question
Supercharger is used to improve __________
a) intake manifold pressure
b) outlet pressure
c) to increase charging capacity of an electric charger
d) expansion of exhaust velocity
View Answer
Explanation: Supercharger is used to increase intake manifold pressure. We can increase manifold pressure by small amount by using forward facing air intake scoop. Supercharger or turbocharger is used to increase manifold pressure by large amounts.
4 - Question
Following diagram represents ________
a) bhp variation with altitude
b) drag polar
c) lift curve
d) power required vs thrust required
View Answer
Explanation: Typical bhp variation with altitude is presented in this diagram. Above diagram is illustrating the relationship between bhp and the altitude. Drag polar is used to provide information about drag characteristics. Lift curve is used to provide relationship between lift and angle of attack.
5 - Question
If a propeller has speed of 600 rpm and diameter of 1.2m and velocity of 10m/s. Find advance ratio.
a) 0.83
b) 0.39
c) 0.289
d) 0.1
View Answer
Explanation: Advance ratio = velocity*60 / (rpm*diameter) = 10*60 / (600*1.2) = 0.83.
6 - Question
If a propeller has bhp of 700 and diameter as 1.2 ft. and rotating with 20 rps then, determine power coefficient. Consider sea level density.
a) 15.8
b) 1.8
c) 30.2
d) 40
View Answer
Explanation: Power coefficient = 550*bhp / (density*diameter5*rps3) = 550*700 / (1.225*1.25*203) = 15.8.
7 - Question
Determine the required thrust coefficient to produce thrust of 1000N. Given diameter is 1.2m and n=22 rps.
a) 0.813
b) 0.1
c) 0.32
d) 0.489
View Answer
Explanation: Thrust coefficient = Thrust / (density*diameter4*rps2) = 1000 / (1.225*1.24*222) = 0.813.
8 - Question
What should be the value of speed power coefficient if velocity of propeller is 12 unit and power is 100 unit? Given rps is 25.
a) 1.372
b) 2.35
c) 8.97
d) 9.79
View Answer
Explanation: Speed power coefficient = Velocity*(density / power*rps2)0.2 = 12*(1.225/100*25*25)0.2 = 12*0.1144 = 1.372.
9 - Question
Determine the propeller efficiency if propeller velocity is 300ft/s and thrust of 1320 lb. Given bhp is 800.
a) 90%
b) 0.03%
c) 0.895%
d) 0.09%
View Answer
Explanation: Propeller efficiency = (thrust*velocity) / (bhp*550) = 1320*300/ (550*800) = 0.9 = 0.9*100 % = 90%.
10 - Question
Determine thrust of propeller if propeller efficiency is 85%. Propeller is assumed to be operated with 1200 bhp and 350ft/s of velocity.
a) 1602.85 lb
b) 12kN
c) 16789lb
d) 8902lb
View Answer
Explanation: Thrust = 550*bhp*propeller efficiency/velocity = 550*1200*0.85/350 = 1602.85 lb of force.
11 - Question
If slip function of propeller is 0.075 and diameter is 20 ft. then, determine the velocity of propeller. Given n = 25 rps
a) 37.5 ft/s
b) 40ft/min
c) 128ft
d) 300ft/s2
View Answer
Explanation: Velocity = slip function*diameter*rps = 0.075*20*25 = 37.5 ft/s.
12 - Question
A propeller is rotating with 20 rps has diameter of 2.5m. Calculate thrust produced by the propeller if thrust coefficient is 0.01.
a) 191.40N
b) 2000kN
c) 1.2MN
d) 190KN
View Answer
Explanation: Thrust = Thrust coefficient*density*diameter4*rps2 = 0.01*1.225*2.54*202 = 191.40 N.
13 - Question
Following diagram represents __________
a) static propeller thrust
b) lift augmentation
c) thrust reversal
d) vortex generator
View Answer
Explanation: Above diagram is representing typical static propeller thrust concept. Lift augmentation is used to increase the amount of lift produced. Thrust augmentation is used to increase the amount of thrust produced by engine. Thrust augmentation is used to increase thrust during short takeoff distance.
14 - Question
Inflow ratio is defined as __________
a) total inflow velocity to tip speed
b) total lift by rotor to the total drag
c) drag to lift ratio
d) propulsive efficiency
View Answer
Explanation: Inflow ratio can be defined as the ratio of total inflow velocity to the tip speed. Drag to lift ratio is inverse of Aerodynamic efficiency. Higher Aerodynamic efficiency indicates that the aircraft will have higher lift.
15 - Question
Activity factor is a measure of _________
a) the amount of power which is being absorbed by propeller
b) power generated by propeller
c) lift induced drag
d) parasite drag
View Answer
Explanation: How much power is being absorbed by propeller can be measured by using activity factor. Activity factor varies from 90-200. A typical large turboprop will have an activity factor of 140. Lighter aircraft can have activity factor as 100 typically.