DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPOSITE PROPELLER BLADE WITH A CARBON FIBRE REINFORCED PLASTICS SPAR

In the blade design adopted the carbon fiber is concentrated, for reasons of economy, in a basic load carrying member or spar, attached by a mechanical joint to a metal root fitting. This spar is made from 'plants' of carbon reinforced plastic, wrapped with glass cloth and epoxide resin, with the leading and trailing edge spaces also filled with foam. The whole is given a sprayed coating of polyurethane, and leading edge erosion protection in the form of stainless steel petals, or other replaceable material, is provided.