Advanced Rotor Blade Erosion Protection System.
Abstract
Two new hydrolysis-free elastomeric materials have been identified, tested and fabricated into full length leading edge erosion guards. The were applied to K747 composite main rotor blades for operational flight evaluation on the AH-1 Cobra helicopter. One exhibits more than four times the rain resistance and twice the sand resistance as the current material. The other has six times the sand resistance and equivalent rain resistance. A worldwide survey was conducted to identify potentially suitable materials. Moldable and castable materials, films and tapes, sprayable coatings and two-component, room temperature curing systems were subjected to hydrolysis testing and whirling arm rain erosion testing. A selected group was then subjected to whirling arm sand erosion and impact testing in a Kaman-funded test facility constmcted for this program. Solar radiation, fungus, salt fog, low temperature, temperature shock and decontamination testing completed the environmental tests. Army design criteria and qualification test procedures were updated. A three-dimensional, dynamic, finite element stress wave analytical model of a raindrop impacting elastomeric material was developed. A unique test procedure was devised for measuring large strain, high strain rate, dynamic material properties required for input into the analytical model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314355
Entities
People
- William D. Weigel
Organizations
- Kaman Corporation