Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics

Mehmet Ali Gördebil; Mikail Temirel

doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940

Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

The term “Light Aircraft” refers to aircraft weighing less than 5.5 tons. The term light aircraft refers to aircraft weighing less than 5.5 tons. These aircraft formed the backbone of air forces during both world wars, primarily powered by propellers, and continue to be widely used today for flight training, travel, recreation, and personal use. Cessna, a leading light aircraft manufacturer, introduced the Cessna 172 in 1956—a model that remains in production. However, its limited speed and altitude performance fall short of modern aviation requirements. To address these limitations, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted using Ansys Fluent and CFX to enhance the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency and speed. Design modifications were applied to the propeller, with a focus on improving thrust generation. The modified configuration produced a significant improvement: CFD results indicated an approximately 50% increase in thrust, corresponding to a 21% increase in the maximum velocity of the aircraft. This study highlights the potential of CFD tools to optimize classic aircraft designs such as the Cessna 172, providing practical insights for the modernization of light aircraft in both civilian and military applications.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Abdullah Gul University

Thanks

The authors would like to acknowledge Abdullah Gul University for giving them the opportunity to work together.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Computational Methods in Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (Incl. Computational Fluid Dynamics), Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering, Flight Dynamics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Mehmet Ali Gördebil
0009-0006-0978-1319
Türkiye

Mikail Temirel ^*
0000-0002-8199-0100
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 31, 2025

Submission Date

July 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 10, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 14 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA89JF67TC

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Gördebil, M. A., & Temirel, M. (2025). Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, 14(4), 2438-2455. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940

AMA

1.Gördebil MA, Temirel M. Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi. 2025;14(4):2438-2455. doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940

Chicago

Gördebil, Mehmet Ali, and Mikail Temirel. 2025. “Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics”. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 14 (4): 2438-55. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940.

EndNote

Gördebil MA, Temirel M (December 1, 2025) Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 14 4 2438–2455.

IEEE

[1]M. A. Gördebil and M. Temirel, “Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics”, Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 2438–2455, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940.

ISNAD

Gördebil, Mehmet Ali - Temirel, Mikail. “Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics”. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 14/4 (December 1, 2025): 2438-2455. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940.

JAMA

1.Gördebil MA, Temirel M. Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi. 2025;14:2438–2455.

MLA

Gördebil, Mehmet Ali, and Mikail Temirel. “Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics”. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 14, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 2438-55, doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940.

Vancouver

1.Mehmet Ali Gördebil, Mikail Temirel. Aerodynamic Optimization of the Cessna 172 Propeller via Computational Fluid Dynamics. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi. 2025 Dec. 1;14(4):2438-55. doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1741940