DESIGNING WITH EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS

The probability of a successful acceptance test of dynamic helicopter components can be substantially increased by detailed stress analysis of a model of the part. The method of analysis has to be inexpensive and fast enough not to disrupt the design process schedule. The analysis has to be done before the forging drawings are complete in order to prevent multiple procurement of forgings. This paper describes the development of three-dimensional photo-elasticity at Bell Helicopter Textron into a responsive and cost-effective tool to meet these requirements.