Experimental Techniques for Evaluation of Fatigue Characteristics of Laminated Constructions from Composite Materials: Full-Scale Testing of the Helicopter Rotor Blades

• DOI: 10.1520/jte102768
• Publication Date: 2010-08-06T22:18:24Z
• Authors: Bosko Rasuo
• Keywords: Helicopter rotor

Abstract The importance of full-scale testing in the development process for composite laminated materials helicopter blades is discussed and illustrated by means two examples drawn from Aeronautical Department, Faculty Mechanical Engineering’s experience use composites a wide variety structural applications. Laboratory fatigue conducted at Department on all flight-critical dynamic components order to determine adequacy. In this paper, analyses behavior main rotor blade light multipurpose propulsion system heavy transport tail are given. were fabricated materials. contour airfoil was formed continuous pocket, which had Rohacell foam core fiberglass skin. upper lower skins woven that laid up with fibers oriented 45° 0°/90° blade’s longitudinal axis. trailing edge both skins, graphite placed stiffening. Fatigue accomplished special test facility designed simulate inflight loading. applied loads include simulated steady centrifugal, vibratory chordwise bending, flapwise torsional pitch motion. these structures performed after cycles detection laminate separation, tolerance, distortion structure cross sections.