Development of Manufacturing Methods for Ballistically Tolerant Fiberglass Tubular Bellcranks

Abstract

The development of manufacturing methods for a ballistically tolerant fiberglass tubular element/sandwich CH-47 forward bellcrank which would optimize production costs and weight while achieving structural repeatability, is discussed. Complete fabrication details are pre-sented. Ballistic, fatigue, and static tests, conducted at -65, 75, and 180 F, showed that the bellcrank met the design requirements. The manufacturing techniques developed resulted in both substantial weight savings (1.65 lbs compared to 3.4 lbs for a metal bellcrank) and cost savings ($68.00 compared to $135.00). A 'slotting' technique that localized the ballistic damage on the exit face sheet and prevented gross delaminations was developed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1974
Accession Number
AD0775818

Entities

People

  • I. E. Figge Sr.

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aluminum
  • Assembly
  • Construction
  • Control Systems
  • Fabrication
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fatigue Tests (Mechanics)
  • Films
  • Government Procurement
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Metals
  • Physical Properties
  • Production
  • Tensile Strength
  • Test Equipment

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.