A composite component for forming aerofoil comprising: a flat FRPC sheet defining aerodynamic surface; a spar formed from a further sheet of FRPC adhered to the first sheet; where the sheet is folded about a central region 6 forming a leading edge, so the trailing edges 4,5 co-extend and the spar contacts the opposing surface. Preferably, leading edge region is 15% thinner and has greater proportion of fibres orientated in spanwise direction. Preferably, spar comprises limbs 11,12,13 to form C-shaped component. A method of forming aerofoil comprising: folding composite to align trailing edges; supporting using jig 19 and fully. Preferably, further layup plies supported with mandrels are added to layup of sheet to form forward and rear spars. The forming jig comprises: bed 20 to form aerodynamic surface; and series of arms 25 extending in spanwise direction pivotally connected to the bed and shaped to conform to aerodynamic surface 27.
Fibre reinforced composite aerofoil structures
2018-10-31
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B29C Formen oder Verbinden von Kunststoffen , SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS / B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge / B64F GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT , Boden- oder Flugzeugträgerdeckeinrichtungen besonders ausgebildet für die Verwendung in Verbindung mit Luftfahrzeugen |