propeller leading edge coating
propeller leading edge coating
(OP)
Does any one have information or studies on erosion coatings for propeller leading edges. Leading edge 6061-t6 sheet metal bolted on with molded polyuerthane coating. Speed ~740 ft/sec. One referance I found listed :Irathane-Badg-H.S (Polyureth.) Dow-Adiprene.
Cheers
Cheers





RE: propeller leading edge coating
1) http://dodconf.swri.org/2001/Abstracts/Hong-Advaned%20Rain%20and%20Dust%20erosion.htm
2) www.hartzellprop.com/pdfs/sl180.pdf
3)(more of a product ad)http://www.flamesprayinc.com/prop-guard.htm
4) http://www.international-marine.com/news/pdf_propellerdirect/proplr.pdf
5)http://www.astroexpo.com/news/techpapersdetail.asp?id=35&csort=1&searchtext=erosion+coating
(Regarding erosion and coating protection as it relates to ion thrusters, NOT propellers...also you need to become a member of their site and log in to view this article.)
6) http://www.microspheres.co.za/contents.htm
Hollow Cenospheres and their usages
RE: propeller leading edge coating
I have been in general aviation [+homebuilt Acft] a long time: the use of ALUMINUM for a prop leading edge is NOT adviseable... especially 6061!
Wooden props have had brass/bronze leading edges riveted on.
Plastic [FRP] props come with a thin CRES or titanium abrasion strip bonded [integral] onto the leading edges.
Sheet-aluminum is too soft for this function. Anodize hard-coats [including those with PTFE impregnation] may provide short-term resistance to abrasion... but IMPACTS [gravel, sand, etc] are the real killers of prop blades.
Solid aluminum props are made from a much tougher, stronger, harder alloy than 6061... and are shot-peened and anodized.... and the leading edges still get beaten-up!
Suggest a CRES or Titanium LE... and bond or flush-rivet it on... DO NOT use threaded fasteners!
Regards, Wil Taylor
RE: propeller leading edge coating
RE: propeller leading edge coating
Is this propellor for a Fixed or rotary-Winged AIRCRAFT???
Your Description leads me to conclude that this "propellor" may be used for another purpose, IE: air-boat, hovercraft, vetilation-fan, wind-tunnel-fan, wind-turbine, etc.
Also, How fast is this prop turning????
Regards, Wil Taylor
RE: propeller leading edge coating
RE: propeller leading edge coating
I cannot believe that the original designers were so naieve about prop-blade leading edge design, as to use 6061-T6 aluminum... there is NO durability to the material.... and NO super magical coatings to prevent damage.
You have the WORST of all worlds...
Abrasive erosion [sand/debris]
water-droplet erosion/cavitation
The most durable coating(s) I can suggest will be a "pain" relative to blade balance and dynamics [add a lot of weight & irregular thickness]; and material compatibility issues.
The only option I can suggest is replacing the aluminum Leading edge with a bonded-on abrasion resistant strip of CRES, titanium or inconel foil. It MIGHT also be possible to apply a uniform thickness, of abrasion resistant ceramic coating by flame-spraying, onto the tough/high-temp foil.
ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE BLADE L.E. IS ALUMINUM?????
Regards, Wil Taylor
RE: propeller leading edge coating
Cheers
RE: propeller leading edge coating
Try:
AMS-C-83231 Rain Erosion Coating [Black]
AMS-C-83445 Rain Erosion Coating [White]
Apply per either of the following documents:
Boeing Process spec BAC5880
USAF T.O. 1-1-8
Regards, Wil Taylor
RE: propeller leading edge coating
RE: propeller leading edge coating
If the aerofoil is an ARA-D, this was off a Textron C7.
RE: propeller leading edge coating
RE: propeller leading edge coating
Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.
107 Research Drive,
Hampton, VA 23666 U.S.A.
Tel. 757 865-7283
Fax 757 865-7309.
RE: propeller leading edge coating