Evaluation of Lightweight,Composite,Impact-Resistant Tail Rotor Drive Shafting for Helicopters.

摘要

Three contractors, Whittaker Corporation, Lockheed-California Company, and Fiber Science Incorporated, each designed and fabricated five samples of a lightweight, composite, impact-resistant tail rotor drive shaft. The shaft specimens were proof tested by the contractors, and ATL performed evaluation testing. Test results indicated that both sandwich-wall and wet-filament-wound drive shafts exceeded stated design requirements, and that production of high quality composite drive shafts is feasible. The majority of test failures occurred in shaft end fittings, indicative that additional research and development effort is needed in end fitting design. (Author)