APPLICATION OF DIRECTED GLASS FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC TO HELICOPTER TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An engineering program was conducted for the purpose of investigating the feasibility of a new rotor concept utilizing a monolithic spar of directed glass fibers supported in an epoxy matrix. This concept makes use of the anisotropic property of the material to eliminate pitch bearings and thereby reduce maintenance requirements. The program included design, fabrication development, analysis and test phases. The latter two phases were of limited scope since the intent of the program was a basic feasibility investigation. The rotor has satisfactorily completed all phases including a 25-hour whirl test. It was concluded that rotors of this general configuration are practical, offer significant advantages, and can be fabricated in a production environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1968
Accession Number
AD0674252

Entities

People

  • Frank B. Clark
  • Hugh H. Mcintyre
  • Paul F. Maloney

Organizations

  • Kaman Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Fabrication
  • Glass Fibers
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Physical Properties
  • Production
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Shear Properties
  • Static Tests
  • Stresses
  • Tensile Strength
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Software Engineering