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Questions and Answers
Which rotor blade design provides a better aerodynamic pitch characteristic?
Which rotor blade design provides a better aerodynamic pitch characteristic?
Which rotor blade design generates greater lift for the same surface area?
Which rotor blade design generates greater lift for the same surface area?
How do engineers stabilize the aerodynamic characteristics of an asymmetrical rotor blade?
How do engineers stabilize the aerodynamic characteristics of an asymmetrical rotor blade?
What is the most common type of rotor blade design?
What is the most common type of rotor blade design?
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Which rotor blade planform has a leading and trailing edge that run parallel to each other?
Which rotor blade planform has a leading and trailing edge that run parallel to each other?
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Why do manufacturers prefer to produce uniform blade planforms?
Why do manufacturers prefer to produce uniform blade planforms?
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What is a characteristic of a single-pocket skin configuration?
What is a characteristic of a single-pocket skin configuration?
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Where are trim balance weights added to a rotor blade?
Where are trim balance weights added to a rotor blade?
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What is the primary purpose of the flat black paint on the bottom of rotor blades?
What is the primary purpose of the flat black paint on the bottom of rotor blades?
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Which type of rotor blades are required to have static discharge abilities?
Which type of rotor blades are required to have static discharge abilities?
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Where are spanwise balance weights typically located on a rotor blade?
Where are spanwise balance weights typically located on a rotor blade?
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Which action will cause a rotor blade to fly higher in its plane of rotation?
Which action will cause a rotor blade to fly higher in its plane of rotation?
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What is the purpose of stainless steel capping on the leading edges of rotor blades?
What is the purpose of stainless steel capping on the leading edges of rotor blades?
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Which rigging component needs to be set up first when working on a helicopter?
Which rigging component needs to be set up first when working on a helicopter?
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What is the effect of bending the trim tab lower on a rotor blade?
What is the effect of bending the trim tab lower on a rotor blade?
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What is the purpose of the correlator in a helicopter's control system?
What is the purpose of the correlator in a helicopter's control system?
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What should be confirmed before connecting the collective and throttle?
What should be confirmed before connecting the collective and throttle?
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What is the final flight test completed on a helicopter after rigging?
What is the final flight test completed on a helicopter after rigging?
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Where is a servo tab typically located on a rotor blade?
Where is a servo tab typically located on a rotor blade?
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What primary function does the main servo flap serve?
What primary function does the main servo flap serve?
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In what order should flight controls be rigged?
In what order should flight controls be rigged?
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Which system is more complex on a helicopter, a droop compensator or correlator?
Which system is more complex on a helicopter, a droop compensator or correlator?
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What type of airfoil is a fixed elevator on a helicopter?
What type of airfoil is a fixed elevator on a helicopter?
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Study Notes
Rotor Blade Designs
- Two main designs: symmetrical and asymmetrical
- Symmetrical blades have better aerodynamic pitch characteristics
- Asymmetrical blades produce more lift for the same surface area
- Asymmetrical blades have greater camber on one side
Blade Design Characteristics
- Asymmetrical blades are achieved by sweeping the edges 3 degrees upwards, aiding aerodynamic stability
- Symmetrical blades are most common due to asymmetrical blades' unstable aerodynamic characteristics
- Two main planform types: parallel (uniform) and tapered
- Uniform planform: leading and trailing edges run parallel to each other
- Tapered planform: leading and trailing edges converge, chord length reduces towards the blade root
Planform Preferences
- Manufacturers prefer uniform planforms due to cost-effectiveness (single machine stamping).
- Uneven chord length of tapered planforms necessitates changing rib numbers per rib for each blade.
- Tapered planforms improve lift equality across the blade, compensating for speed variations
Blade Twist
- Parallel blades have a negative twist to achieve higher angles of attack at the root, maintaining equal lift from root to tip despite differing rotational speeds.
Skin Configurations
- Single pocket is faster to build.
- Multiple pockets make repairs more manageable and reduce damage from one damaged sheet.
- Single pocket skin configuration is less easily repaired when damaged.
- Single pocket skin needs complete replacement if damaged.
Construction Methods
- Bonded construction is preferred because of strength and lack of drilling holes for fasteners.
Rotor Blade Weights
- Trim balance weights are not movable while the helicopter is in flight; they can be repositioned during repairs
- Weights added to the leading edge of the rotor blade lower the helicopter in flight
- Weights added to the trailing edge raise the helicopter in flight
Trim Tabs
- Trim tabs improve aerodynamic efficiency for better pitch control.
- Trim Tabs affect rotor blade flight path
- Trim tabs adjustments are easily made to control rotor blade flight path
Additional Considerations
- Static discharge capabilities are required for composite blades
- Common rotor blade materials include composites, metal, and wood
- Tap testing is a common inspection method for composite rotor blades
- Multiple pockets are more expensive to build
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of rotor blade designs, focusing on symmetrical and asymmetrical characteristics. Learn about the aerodynamic implications of different planforms and why manufacturers often prefer uniform designs. This quiz will test your understanding of blade stability and efficiency.
