the optimal number of blades on a windmill is 3. Airplane props, helicopter blades, and ceiling fans can all have any number of blades. Why?
In: 7
The most efficient number of blades is one, a really long one. But that would be unbalanced so the most efficient practical number of blades is two. Two very long, slow turning high aspect ratio blades – that is ideal for efficiency.
Much of the time there is not room for tremendously long blades so you compromise and add more blades in order to get the thrust you need.
Three is very popular because it is the fewest number of blades that is balanced in two axis.
Latest Answers