Sketches

The base configuration shown in FIGURE 10 begins the design development, with the simplified three-bladed rotor adopting a tapered straight profile and equal dimensions to form the base for improvement. In the first modification, serrated or wavy trailing edges on all three blades introduce another design aspect into FIGURE 11 to enhance mixing within the boundary layer, reduce drag, and further develop the aerodynamic control while slightly changing the dimensions of the blades for refinement in performance. FIGURE 12 proceeds with the second modification by replacing the serrations with a ribbed or striped surface texture added along select portions of each blade, adding to the structural stiffness, limiting deformation during operation at high rotational speeds, and improving attachment flow with very slight changes to the primary geometry of the blade. FIGURE 13 shows a more refined hybrid including a reinforced ribbed root region in combination with a smoother, slightly curved blade profile toward the tip.