Propeller - Optimal Pitch-Diameter

Optimal pitch-diameter ratio maximising open-water efficiency for a given advance coefficient - the basic diameter / pitch trade-off.

PropellerP/DOptimal

Advance coefficient J

Optimal P/D: 0.91 -

Peak η_O (approx): 0.726 -

Changing the inputs requires JavaScript. The calculator above shows its default inputs and result. The formula, symbols, and regulatory sources are shown in the Formula section below.

Formula, assumptions, and limits

(P/D)_{opt} \approx f(J)

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
$J$	Advance coefficient
$P/D$	Pitch-diameter ratio

Source: Oosterveld & van Oossanen - SNAME 1975

In short

Optimal pitch-diameter ratio maximising open-water efficiency for a given advance coefficient - the basic diameter / pitch trade-off.

Learn the theory Marine propeller