Propeller aerodynamics?

[abufletcher]

When looking at the asymmetrical propellers of the WWI era I notice that in many cases the leading edge (foreward edge?) is curved while the trailing edge is basically straight.

Yet on other propellers the leading edge is staight and the trailing edge has the curve.

What was the thinking in terms of aerodynamics of these two ways of shaping the leading edge?

[Bob Gardner]

Several leading aviation pioneers did their own research into propeller shape. The Wright brothers experimented with aerofoil sections, measuring the thrust from different designs. The major influence on prop design was the Frenchman Lucien Chauvière who experimented with every aspect of prop design around 1909 including glues, ability of different species of wood to transmit power and withstand stress and impact. He proved that a laminated prop was far stronger than a prop carved from a block of wood, which many were prior to his discoveries. His design of a prop included a trailing edge which followed a striaght line from tip to tip.

His props were demonstrably better than any others and his company quickly achieved ascendency in the market.

With regards,

Bob