| 摘要 |
There is provided a self-actuating, variable pitch propeller having a plurality of blades. All of the blades are automatically movable between a first, relatively lower pitch position and a second, relatively higher pitch position, substantially simultaneously and equally in response to achieving a predetermined combination of propeller rotational speed and hydrodynamic loading on the propeller blades. The blades are releasably locked to prevent pivoting of the blades, at least in the lower pitch position, but preferably can be locked in both the high and low pitch positions. More preferably, a feedback force is transmitted from the blade to the locking mechanism to vary the locking force in response to the net turning moment on the blade. The locking mechanism are released in response to the combined effects of centrifugal force generated by the blades and other portions of the propeller and the hydrodynamic loading on the blades.
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