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Q:

Why do the propellers on an airplane need to have a nose? Why can't it be a square?

A:

The propellers on an airplane can be a square. But, a nose is more aerodynamic and creates less drag. Drag is the force of flight that acts in the opposite direction of motion. Air flows around a nose better than it flows around a square. This means that the airplane would need less thrust to move forward with a pointed nose than a square.

 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on April 30, 2016 at 8:41 pm
Categories:
Aerodynamics
Structures & Materials
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