In terms of thrust, why do piston/turboprop aircraft have differing numbers of propeller blades? I'm assuming 3 blades create more thrust than 2, but then why don't more aircraft have 4, or 5, or even more?
I would think that the more blades you have, the less work each individual one does, meaning that a 3-bladed prop would create the same amount of energy as a 4. But if that's the case, shouldn't more aircraft have only 2 blades? I would think that that would be more cost effective to construct.
Anyone?
Yes, I am fully aware that some other aircraft have more than 5 prop blades. Thank you.
I would think that the more blades you have, the less work each individual one does, meaning that a 3-bladed prop would create the same amount of energy as a 4. But if that's the case, shouldn't more aircraft have only 2 blades? I would think that that would be more cost effective to construct.
Anyone?
Yes, I am fully aware that some other aircraft have more than 5 prop blades. Thank you.