Failure Analysis of a Cracked CH-47 Swashplate Rotating Ring, S/N BCW-1379

Abstract

The U.S. Aviation and Missile Command sent the U.S. Army Research Laboratory s Weapons and Materials Research Directorate three swashplate rotating rings from the CH-47 helicopter for investigation. The components were examined due to the presence of cracks found during routine overhaul. These cracks were on and adjacent to the bearing retention shoulder. One of these rotating rings, S/N BCW-1379, was included for a detailed failure analysis to determine the cause of the cracking. This component was QDR exhibit number W45N7V-04-0307. The components were required to be forged from aluminum alloy 2014-T6. The focus of this investigation, BCW-1379, was characterized by nondestructive inspection, chemical analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing. The holes of the rotating ring were numbered 0 36 around the perimeter, consistent with the convention of the MELRs from Boeing helicopters.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA455914

Entities

People

  • Russell Yocum
  • Scott M. Grendahl

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Aluminum
  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Electrons
  • Engineering
  • Failure Analysis
  • Helicopters
  • Inspection
  • Materials
  • Microscopy
  • Military Research
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Shot Peening
  • Shoulder
  • White Light

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics