Comparison of Composite Rotor Blade Models: A Coupled-Beam Analysis and an MSC/NASTRAN Finite-Element Model.

Abstract

A methodology was developed for the structural analysis of composite rotor blades.This coupled-beam analysis is relatively simple to use compared with alternative analysis techniques. The beam analysis was developed for thin-wall single-cell rotor structures and includes the effects of elastic coupling. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the new composite-beam analysis method through comparison of results of the coupled-beam analysis with those of an established baseline analysis technique. The baseline analysis is an MSC/NASTRAN finite-element model built up from anisotropic shell elements. Deformations are compared for three linear static load cases of centrifugal force at design rotor speed, applied torque, and lift for an ideal rotor in hover. A D-spar designed to twist under axial loading is the subject of the analysis. Results indicate the coupled-beam analysis is well within engineering accuracy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA300637

Entities

People

  • Lawrence W. Rehfield
  • Mark W. Nixon
  • Robert V. Hodges

Organizations

  • Langley Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Aviation
  • Bending Moments
  • Centrifugal Force
  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Couplings
  • Engineering
  • Epoxy Composites
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Geometry
  • Materials
  • Static Loads
  • Stiffness
  • Structural Analysis
  • Thickness
  • Thin Walls
  • Walls

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

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