Making rotor blades
Making rotor blades
(OP)
Hi all,
I'm in the process of building composite rotor blades for an existing helicopter. I know all the aircraft particulars (gross weight, engine hp etc) and know about the existing metal rotor blades but I'm in need of assistance and insight into the conversion from metal to composite. Obviously, the
composite blades will weigh much less and I'm at a loss as to how I can get the weight right, center of gravity, center of pressure etc. to work out. Any help would be appreciated.
I'm in the process of building composite rotor blades for an existing helicopter. I know all the aircraft particulars (gross weight, engine hp etc) and know about the existing metal rotor blades but I'm in need of assistance and insight into the conversion from metal to composite. Obviously, the
composite blades will weigh much less and I'm at a loss as to how I can get the weight right, center of gravity, center of pressure etc. to work out. Any help would be appreciated.





RE: Making rotor blades
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Making rotor blades
various weighting schemes but that's why I post this thread. I'm unsure what the best way to do this is. There are other issues as well such as flapping moments, twisting moments, movement of the centers that need to be addressed.
Ultimatley, what I would like to be able to do is replace the existing (metal) blades with these "new and improved" composite blades. That may not be possible because of the difference in aerodynamic and dynamic properties of the new blade. Any help would be appreciated.
RE: Making rotor blades
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Making rotor blades
I too intend to build composite blades.
The following information may be of help;
Blade - VR-7b - Composite: http://www.unicopter.com/BladeVR-7b.html
Composite: http://www.unicopter.com/A029.html
... and information related to the construction of a blade with 'Active Blade Twist' http://www.unicopter.com/UniCopter_Rotor.html
Dave J.
RE: Making rotor blades
RE: Making rotor blades
Perhaps your first consideration (of many) is that of using the existing profile, or using a 'hopefully' better one(s).
Dave J
RE: Making rotor blades
The existing ship has GW or 1360 pounds. Currently running
a two blade system each blade weighing 26 pounds including grip. Very light.
RE: Making rotor blades
Just a thought.
Dave
RE: Making rotor blades
Any failure of a rotor blade has the strong likelihood of killing someone, either in or around the helicopter.
RE: Making rotor blades
RE: Making rotor blades
It would seem a good idea to have a whirl tower if you are going to develop from scratch a composite blade. Some problems don't show up in the first 100 hrs.
RE: Making rotor blades
Any truth to these rumors? Thanks.