Nonlinear dynamics of a simplified engine-propeller system

This paper presents a procedure for studying dynamical behaviors of a simplified engine-propeller dynamical system consisting of a number of bodies of plane motions. The equation of motion of the complex system is obtained using the Lagrange equation and solved numerically using the 4th order Runge–Kutta method. Various simulations were performed to investigate the transient and steady state behaviors of the multiple body system while taking into consideration the engine pressure pulsations, nonlinear inertia of moving bodies, and nonlinear aerodynamic load. Sub-harmonics and super harmonics in the steady state responses for different power and propeller pitch settings are obtained using the fast Fourier transform. Numerical simulations indicate that the 1.5 order is the dominant order of harmonics in the steady state oscillatory motion of the crankshaft. The findings and procedure presented in the paper are useful to the aerospace industry in certifying reciprocating engines and propellers. The crankshaft oscillatory velocities obtained from the simplified rigid body model are in good agreement with the experimental data for a SAITO-450 engine and a SOLO propeller at a 6″ pitch setting.