17.2 propellor construction Flashcards
where are wooden propellors typically used?
typically in older fixed propellor aircraft but sometimes in variable pitch planes
what is the construction of wooden propellors and typical woods used?
Wooden propellers consist of several layers of wood bonded with a waterproof resin glue. Birch is the most commonly used wood, At least 5 layers of wood are laid down and when glued together they form a blank
how long is a wooden blade left to cure and what does it form?
The blank is roughly shaped and allowed to rest for a week to allow the equal distribution of moisture through all the layers; after which it is known as a white
what is done to a ‘white’ after it is roughly formed?
The white is finished by shaving it into its correct form using templates and blade protractors to check the shape and pitch, ensuring it meets the exact aerofoil and pitch dimensions required for the propellers desired performance characteristics. At the same time the centre bore and bolt holes are drilled out.
what is applied to the outside of a wooden propellor after it is formed?
A cotton fabric sheathing is then applied to the outer 12 to 15 in of the tip to reinforce the strength of the thin sections. The fabric is doped to protect it from deterioration by the weather and the sun’s (UV) rays.
A protective metal tipping strip is rebated into the leading edge of the propeller to prevent damage from small stones during ground operations.
what is the metal used on wooden blades constructed from?
The metal used is brass, stainless steel, monel (nickel/copper alloy) or terneplate (steel coated with a lead/tin alloy).
how is the metal protection held onto a wooden blade?
secured to the blade using countersink screws at the thick blade section and copper rivets near the tip, all are safetied in place with solder
what is the purpose of the small holes drilled in wooden propellors?
releasing any moisture and allowing the wood to breathe. The propeller is then balanced and the finishing coats of varnish are applied
what is sometimes used instead of cotton dope?
plastic before the metal tipping is applied. This provides protection and added strength.
what does polyurethane paint provide to a propellor?
mechanical and UV ray protection.
what type of screws are used for controllable pitch propellors?
lag screw or coach bolt
what are the benefits of a composite propellor?
lighter in weight and stronger than metal propellers. With new methods of lay-up, these propellers are taking over from metal blades
what is one downside to composite propellors?
damage can be difficult to detect apart from very minor scratches
what is used on composite blades to protect from impact damage?
Nickel or stainless steel erosion shields are bonded to the leading edges
what can be done to limit blade tip erosion in composite blades?
a stainless steel wire mesh is put into the laminations
what ca be done to limit lightning damage?
A metal foil mesh can be incorporated on the surface of the blade
what is used for de icing composite blades?
Most composite blades use an external boot for de-icing but some blades have been introduced with internal heating elements.
what is a spar typically made of in a propellor blade?
titanium
aluminium alloy
stainless steel
what does the central spar absorb in a propellor blade?
centrifugal forces and the bending loads
what does the shell absorb in a propellor with a metal spar?
torsional rigidity
what provides the heating function of the propellor blade with a metal spar and what is applied to the outside surface of the blade?
There is a heating element on the inner part of the surface of the leading edge
The surface is protected by a coat of conducting polyurethane paint
what is the purpose of conducting polyurethane paint in propellors with a metal spar?
protection against erosion and prevents the blade from becoming statically charged.
what is contained in the centre of a blade without a metal spar?
polyurethane foam