HELICOPTER ROTOR BLADE EROSION PROTECTIVE MATERIALS, PHASE 1
Abstract
The most erosion resistant materials in each of the 4 categories studied were: electroformed nickel - BV 43 (metal), polyurethane BV 123 (nonmetal film), neoprene BV 197 (nonmetal liquid), and polyvinyl chloride BV 221 (nonmetal pressure sensitive tape). All of these except the polyvinyl chloride showed adequate resistance to rain erosion. Based on erosion test performance, dimensional uniformity, aerodynamic contour control, system simplicity, ease of application and availability, the polyurethane film (BV 123) is considered to be the most promising material tested. In general, the best nonmetals were more sand erosion resistant than the best metals. The complexity of the mechanism of flat panel sand erosion was indicated by the success attained with resilient materials (poly urethanes and neoprenes) and very hard materials (silicon carbide deposited on graphite). This is further supported by the different erosion patterns at the nose and flank of whirling-arm specimens of different materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0411780
Entities
People
- Bruce Zelus
- Donald West
- Robert Gilbert
- Victor Hribar
Organizations
- Boeing Rotorcraft Systems