PythonProp

A Python-based propeller design tool with an easy-to-use graphical interface.

What is PythonProp?

PythonProp is a propeller design software that helps you create and analyze propellers and ducted thrusters. It features:

• Easy-to-use GUI - No coding required
• Interactive design - See results in real-time
• 3D visualization - View your propeller design
• Performance analysis - Optimize for efficiency
• Export geometry - Generate files for manufacturing

Perfect for marine engineers, students, and ROV/AUV designers.

Installation

Step 1: Install Python

Download and install Python 3.7 or newer from python.org

During installation, check the box "Add Python to PATH"

Step 2: Install Required Packages

Open a terminal (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on Mac/Linux) and run: pip install numpy matplotlib customtkinter scipy

Step 3: Download PythonProp

Download or clone this repository to your computer.

Running the GUI

1. Open a terminal/command prompt

2. Navigate to the PythonProp folder: cd path/to/PythonProp/Python/Examples/Ducted_Prop

3. Run the GUI: python Ducted_Prop_GUI.py

Quick Start Guide

Basic Usage

1. Launch the GUI - Run python Ducted_Prop_GUI.py

2. Set Your Parameters:

   • Number of Blades: 4
   • Speed (RPM): 9000
   • Diameter: 0.100 (meters)
   • Thrust: 900 (Newtons)
   • Ship Velocity: 4.5 (m/s)

3. Customize Blade Data (Optional):

   • Click "📊 Edit Blade 2-D Section Data"
   • Adjust chord and thickness distributions
   • Double-click any cell to edit

4. Run Design:

   • Click "▶ Run Design"
   • Wait for optimization to complete
   • View results in the tabs

5. Review Results:

   • Design Graphs: See velocity and circulation distributions
   • 3D View: Visualize your propeller
   • Performance: Check efficiency curves
   • Console: Read design summary

Output Files

After running a design, you'll find:

• OpenProp_Geometry.txt - Complete geometry data
• Ready for CAD import or further analysis

Simple Example

Small ROV Thruster (100mm diameter):

• Blades: 4
• RPM: 9000
• Diameter: 0.100 m
• Thrust: 900 N
• Velocity: 4.5 m/s
• Include Duct: ✓ Yes

Result: ~70% efficiency, 900N thrust at 4.5 m/s

Troubleshooting

"No module named 'customtkinter'"

pip install customtkinter

"Python is not recognized"

Reinstall Python and check "Add Python to PATH"

GUI won't open

Make sure you're in the correct folder: cd Python/Examples/Ducted_Prop

Optimization fails

• Check that all parameters are positive numbers
• Ensure diameter > hub diameter
• Try reducing "Vortex Panels" to 15

Support

For issues or questions, open an issue on GitHub.

License

GNU GPL V3.0

This project is a Python port of OpenProp. See original project at MIT OpenProp