Composite Applications in Propellers

The excellent fatigue performance of composites is used to good effect with propeller designs. Using a combination of a unidirectional carbon spar and glass cloth reinforced skins at [±45°] for torsional resistance produces a very effective component. 

Composite propeller design

Complex aerodynamic shapes are more easily manufactured with composites than with metal and this provides added design flexibility. A tough polyurethane paint coat is often applied at the end of the production process to protect the structure from debris damage and runway stone impact. In jet engines there is scope for composites, particularly in the cooler regions. Carbon/polyimides have been proposed for both rotors and stators and the early problems associated with turbine blades have been largely overcome, although in the latter case there is strong competition as a result of the good performance of titanium. Ducts of various types are also fabricated from carbon fibres, and Kevlar have application for the ring that surrounds the engine which is required to be designed to contain debris in the event of turbine blade failure. 

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