Boron/Polyimide Fan Blades - A Fabrication Study

The materials and processes developed for the fabrication of a fan blade constructed with boron fibers and polyimide matrix are described. Mechanical properties of the material system between -65 and 500 F are given in graphical and tabular form, some blade properties, including the effect or ply orientation on resonant frequency, fatigue performance, and untwist, are also given. Finally, the result of cost projections for blades of this type indicates that it has high potential to be manufactured competitively.