Rotor Blade Designs and Construction
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a common material used in the construction of rotor blades?

  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Composite
  • Plastic (correct)

What is a primary inspection method used for composite rotor blades?

  • X-raying
  • Tap testing (correct)
  • Visual inspection
  • Ultrasonic testing

Where are spanwise balance weights typically located on a rotor blade?

  • Leading edge
  • Blade tip and center on the spanline. (correct)
  • Trailing edge
  • At the root

Where are chordwise mass balance weights typically located?

<p>Leading edge of the blade (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you needed to adjust a helicopter to fly higher in the plane of rotation using weights, where would you add weight?

<p>Trailing edge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be completed first when rigging a helicopter?

<p>Collective rigging (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the final check done before a helicopter is signed off after maintenance?

<p>Autorotational check at minimum gross weight (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the servo flap located on the rotor blade?

<p>On the trailing edge, approximately 75% of span (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of an asymmetrical rotor blade design?

<p>Greater lift production for the same surface area (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are symmetrical rotor blades the most commonly used design?

<p>They have better aerodynamic stability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a uniform rotor blade planform?

<p>The leading and trailing edges run parallel to each other (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a tapered rotor blade planform?

<p>More complex and increased manufacturing costs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are rotor blades constructed using a bonded method?

<p>To prevent the need for drilling holes, increasing the strength (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of a multi-pocket rotor blade construction?

<p>Easier to repair compared to single pockets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if weight is added to the front of a rotor blade?

<p>The blade will fly lower in its plane of rotation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a matte black paint finish on the bottom of rotor blades?

<p>To minimise glare in the pilot's vision (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tap testing

A method used to inspect composite rotor blades by tapping on the surface to detect any damage or voids.

Double plates

Additional plates added to the root of the rotor blade tip, increasing structural strength without adding weight.

Spanwise balance weights

Weights attached to the blade tip, along the center of the spanline, ensuring stability and balance.

Chordwise mass balance weights

Weights located in the leading edge of the blade, contributing to its balance and stability.

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Tracking weights

Weights situated on the leading and trailing edges of the blade, helping with stability and response.

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Servo flap

A small airfoil located at the trailing edge of the rotor blade, influencing the helicopter's pitch and flight.

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Rigging

A process that ensures the helicopter's controls are properly adjusted and calibrated before flight.

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Autorotational check

A safety check performed at the end of rigging, involving a series of ground and air maneuvers to ensure the helicopter's responsiveness.

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Symmetrical Rotor Blade

A rotor blade design where both sides of the blade have the same shape and curvature. It offers better aerodynamic pitching characteristics.

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Asymmetrical Rotor Blade

A rotor blade design where one side has a higher camber than the other, resulting in greater lift for the same surface area. Engineers can achieve similar pitching characteristics by sweeping the edges.

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Parallel (Uniform) Planform

A rotor blade planform where the leading and trailing edges run parallel to each other, creating a uniform chord line. This design generates greater lift due to the consistent chord length.

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Tapered Planform

A rotor blade planform where the leading and trailing edges converge towards the tip, resulting in a decreasing chord length. This design distributes lift more evenly across the blade, considering variations in speed.

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Negative Twist Blade

A technique used in rotor blade design where the angle of attack (AOA) is higher at the root than at the tip. This ensures that both the root and tip sections of the blade produce the same amount of lift, even though they have different rotational speeds.

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Single Pocket Construction

A type of rotor blade construction where a single piece of skin covers the entire blade structure. It is quicker to manufacture but less repairable.

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Multi Pocket Construction

A type of rotor blade construction where the blade is divided into multiple sections or pockets with individual skin panels. This design makes repairs easier, but takes longer to manufacture.

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Rotor Blade Balance

The process of balancing the weight distribution of a rotor blade to ensure it rotates smoothly and efficiently. Balances are typically placed at the tip and along the blade's length.

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Study Notes

Rotor Blade Designs

  • Symmetrical blades have better aerodynamic pitch characteristics.
  • Asymmetrical blades provide greater lift for the same surface area, due to higher camber on one side.
  • Engineers achieve similar pitching characteristics in asymmetrical blades through sweeping the edges 3 degrees upwards.
  • Symmetrical designs are more common due to the instability of asymmetrical designs.
  • Rotor blades are designed in parallel (uniform) or tapered configurations.
  • Uniform blades maintain parallel leading and trailing edges, maximizing lift due to constant chord length.
  • Tapered blades converge towards the tip, decreasing chord length, and offering more even lift across the blade.
  • Manufacturers favor uniform blades for cost-effectiveness due to simpler manufacturing processes.

Rotor Blade Construction

  • Bonded construction is stronger and eliminates the need for drilling holes.
  • Single-pocket designs are quicker to build but more susceptible to damage.
  • Multi-pocket blades offer easier repair options.
  • Trim balance weights are located at the tip and 30-50% along the span, and are adjusted to control lift.

Rotor Blade Features

  • Erosion protection is ensured by stainless steel caps on leading edges, protecting against air particles.
  • Matte black paint is used to prevent glare.
  • Composite, metal, or wood materials are used, and tap testing is a key inspection method.
  • Multi-pocket blades are more expensive to build but may feature double plates at the root to increase strength.

Helicopter Control Systems

  • Balance weights are critical in controlling the plane of rotation.
  • Trim tabs are used to adjust the helicopter height.
  • Collective hydraulics are connected to the throttle.
  • Separate servo flaps on the trailing edge enhance the aerodynamic response.
  • Hydraulic systems reduce vibrations and noise.
  • Simplified blade designs increase flight efficiency, reaction time for auto-rotation.

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Description

Explore the intricate designs and construction methods of rotor blades. This quiz covers symmetrical and asymmetrical blade characteristics, configurations, and material strengths. Delve into the benefits of each design and understand why manufacturers prefer certain methods.

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