There are multiple methods in increasing the efficiency and thrust of an aircraft. Using a ducted propeller rather than a traditional propeller is one of these ways. A ducted propeller is able to provide more thrust for the same amount of power (or requiring less power to achieve the same amount of thrust), elongating the life span of batteries and flight times.

       As the propeller rotates, air is pushed to the outside. Low pressure of the air flows over the top of the propeller, while high pressure flows over the bottom of the propeller. However, as the low pressure and the high pressure flow over the propeller, both pressures collide, forming a vortex. This vortex generates noise and heats up the air due to being wasted energy.

       A ducted propeller reduces this wasted energy. The wall encircling the propeller prevents the vortex from forming and uses the energy to generate lift. This is more efficient because the wall encircling the propeller enables more lift to be generated when using a smaller amount of power, thus pushing the aircraft more.

       The design of a ducted propeller is also able to increase efficiency by bending the laws of aerodynamics towards its favor. The lip, also known as the rolled edges, of a ducted propeller increases the amount of lift generated. The lip allows air to flow over a curved surface which causes the pressure to decreases, due to an increase in air flow. High pressure pushed the back of the lip, generating thrust and lift.

       Although the design of a ducted propeller may increase lift and thrust, it also increases the mass of the plane, causing the planes weight to increase. This is the main problem I will be addressing as my internship continues and my data is collected.