Investigation of the Use of Carbon Composite Materials for Helicopter Transmission Housing Applications.
Abstract
This program investigated the feasibility of applying advanced fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials to the UH-l helicopter main transmission gear housing in order to increase stiffness of the structure and to reduce gear and bearing wear. A design analysis was performed for the composite transmission housing based on carbon fiber (Modmor I) reinforced epoxy composite material. Two prototypes were fabricated and tested for stiffness in torsion and tension at ambient and elevated temperatures, and were compared to the present magnesium housing. Prototype S/N 1 showed a substantial increase in torsional stiffness but a reduction in tension stiffness over the metal case. Prototype case S/N 2 incorporated a modification of the fiber orientation. It was tested extensively, with deflection measurements being made at a number of intervals around the housing's circumference for both tension and torsion loading. Depending on the gage location, the measurements were either only a small fraction of or slightly greater than those of the metal case. The design of the prototypes demonstrated that stiffness of the housing can be increased by correct application of high-modulus fiber composites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA307335
Entities
People
- Vance A. Chase