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Understanding Propeller Torque and P-Factor: Difference between revisions
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Understanding Propeller Torque and P-Factor (view source)
Revision as of 07:41, 21 June 2006
, 21 June 2006→Propeller Torque Effect: change to conventional "clockwise from the cockpit"
Paul Richter (talk | contribs) (added propwash, which is actually the most important factor) |
Paul Richter (talk | contribs) (→Propeller Torque Effect: change to conventional "clockwise from the cockpit") |
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Torque effect is the influence of engine torque on aircraft movement and control. It is generally exhibited as a left turning tendency in piston single engine propeller driven aircraft. | Torque effect is the influence of engine torque on aircraft movement and control. It is generally exhibited as a left turning tendency in piston single engine propeller driven aircraft. | ||
According to Newton's law, "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction," such that the propeller, if turning | According to Newton's law, "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction," such that the propeller, if turning clockwise (when viewed from the cockpit), imparts a tendency for the aircraft to rotate counterclockwise. Since most single engine aircraft have propellers rotating clockwise, they rotate to the left, pushing the left wing down. | ||
Typically, the pilot is expected to counter this force through the control inputs. To counter the aircraft roll left, the pilot applies right aileron. | Typically, the pilot is expected to counter this force through the control inputs. To counter the aircraft roll left, the pilot applies right aileron. | ||
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This correction induces adverse yaw, which is corrected by moving or trimming the rudder (right rudder). | This correction induces adverse yaw, which is corrected by moving or trimming the rudder (right rudder). | ||
On aircraft with contrarotating propellers (propellers that rotate in opposite directions) the torque from the two propellers cancel each other out, so that no compensation is needed. | |||