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Manufacture of Composite Propeller Blades for Commuter Aircraft
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English
Abstract
Composite Propeller Blades have been developed and are now in production for the new generation of turbo-prop commuter aircraft.
The method of manufacture utilises special tooling and a resin injection process specifically developed to produce composites with good fibre volume fractions and correspondingly high structural properties.
Quality Control and NDT methods have been developed to ensure a high quality product, which involves the use of Ultrasonic, Radiographic and Vibrational Analysis.
Certification of the Composite Propeller has necessitated rigorous structural and environmental testing of the finished blades, involving specialised rigs and techniques. Material properties have also been evaluated for static fatigue capability, and the effect on these properties of long term exposure to various climatic conditions is underway.
The future of these blades is established and contracts for a number of aircraft projects are now being fulfilled in a new purpose built composites manufacturing facility.
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Authors
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Citation
McCarthy, R., "Manufacture of Composite Propeller Blades for Commuter Aircraft," SAE Technical Paper 850875, 1985, https://doi.org/10.4271/850875.Also In
References
- RUSSELL J.G. “Modern Propellers for Commuter Airlines” SAE Paper 820719 presented at Commuter Aircraft & Airline Operations Meeting Savannah, Georgia May 1982
- COLCLOUGH W.J. “Environmental Testing for Civil Certification of Composite Propellers” British Aviation Exhibition & Seminar Madrid October 1983
- MCCARTHY R. “Fifteen Years Experience with Composite Propeller Blades” Paper presented at European Chapter SAMPE International Conference on Advanced Technology in Materials Engineering Cannes, France January 1981
- RUSSELL J.G. “Use of Reinforced Plastics in Composite Propeller” Plastics and Polymers December 1973