Use of Kevlar on AERO-Engine Fan Containment Casings

摘要

The use of Kevlar to reduce the weight of fan containment casings is described. Continuous layers of dry, woven Kevlar are wrapped around a light former (the casing). Upon release, the blade punctures the casing and its energy is absorbed by the whole circumference of Kevlar, unlike a traditional metal casing which has to be thick enough so that all the blade energy is absorbed in the local area of impact where the blade hits the casing. Tests indicate that casing weights 50% of ARMVO casings are achievable. A theoretical model for predicting Kevlar deflections was developed. Over a wide range of blade energies, weave types, wrapping tensions, and numbers of layers it gives good agreement with test results. The significant reduction in deflections predicted for increased wrapping tension agrees well with measured test results.