On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 at 02:32:55 in message
.net, Rich Lemert
wrote:
This morning, while driving past the airport on my way to work, the
thought occured to me that a shear pin could be used to protect
airplane engines (at least partially) from prop strikes. My
understanding is that the props on light singles (at least) are
connected directly to the engine's drive shaft

It occurs to me that a shear pin could only work effectively against a
rotational stoppage. Since a normal prop either fits over a crankshaft
end or is bolted to a plate, a shear pin could do little or nothing.
What loading cases would you propose for the shear pin failure?

In a minor accident which way are the prop tips usual bent?

I somehow feel that the possibility of a prop detaching in flight should
not be encouraged. :-)

--
David CL Francis