For those who are skeptical about propellers - Team 2526

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Molten

Only problem is that the update 11 doesn't have any specific requirements. It gives an example of a safe setup. It does not state any need for this particular setup. I personally won't feel that this is adequately covered until they specify max blade size, max rpm, and mandatory specific protective equipment. Any less and it will be too ambiguous.

First off, Max blade size has little to do with the safety of a prop. A 32" prop can be made safe while a 10" prop could be very unsafe.

Max RPM is a function of prop size and construction. some props are perfectly happy at 20,000 RPM whil others are dangerous at 5,000 RPM. To set an arbitrary 'MAX RPM' may actually encourage poor design and unsafe robots.

As far as mandatory specific protective equipment goes, what may hold a 32" 5,000 RPM prop may not hold a 11" 20,000 RPM prop. Instead of blanket protective equipment (which may or may not work in all cases), require the teams to prove that the setup is safe with proper engineering numbers. Show that the cage will completely contain a catastrophic failure of the prop.