Abstract
In the past twenty years composite propeller blades have been designed, developed and manufactured for the propulsion of commuter aircraft and hovercraft which operate in a very harsh environment.
The method of manufacture utilises special tooling and a resin injection process specifically developed to produce composites with high fibre volume fractions and correspondingly optimum structural properties.
To aid design, material properties were evaluated for static and fatigue capability, and the effect on these properties of long term exposure is underway.
Certification of the composite propeller has necessitated rigorous structural and environmental testing of the finished blades involving specialised rigs and techniques.
This article discusses all the above work carried out from inception to inservice experience of composite propeller blades on aircraft and hovercraft.
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