I'm awfully glad to hear that, Paul {:>). Seriously, I know the
plan has
been to thoroughly wring it out on the test stand much harder
than
what I
would (intentionally) expose it to on the aircraft and I have
full
confidence that if it passes the test stand, the flight test
will be
anticlimactic. However, from my perspective I can think of a
few
priority
requirements before flying with the LAEV Most are obvious, but
some
of you
may think of other pertinent factors that need attention.
1. The blades stay attached to the hub {:>) and maintain
their
structural integrity (Example: no sign of undue stress or wear
at
the hub
attachment point, no cracks in composite near hub, etc)
2. The blades have a minimum and maximum pitch mechanical
stop
such
that the electrical control can not force them past that point.
Minimum
point should ensure sufficient thrust for continued safe flight)
(can't
recall if the hub design has such, Butch)
3. A failure mode analysis of what happens if an internal
component
fails. For example is there any failure mode whereby the two
blades
would
not be in pitch synchronization/alignment? If the screw drive
fails, does
the blade pitch lock at that setting?
4. It would be nice if while on the test stand, with the
engine
running
that the ignition/fuel to one rotor be shut off, so that only
one
rotor if
providing power. The engine really vibrates in that mode and
could
provide
unusual stresses to the prop and hub. Not that I expect
anything to
happen,
but would be nice to confirm that.
Any suggestions as to what gyration parameters the prop/hub
should be
subjected to while on the test stand?
Any other suggestions would be welcomed
Ed Anderson
Number 4. is a good idea. I'll see if I can arrange that Ed.
I'll let Butch handle the other numbers.
Paul Lamar
Joseph Berki wrote:
What about the stress on the blades while loading and unloading as
they
pass through the wing root area for pusher applications? How does
this
affect the rest of the system?
Joe Berki
Limo EZ
pusher--
Good point Joe and we won't be able to test that on the dyno.
I suggest a parachute :)
Paul Lamar
Paul,
I seem to remember that you planned to have a way of tilting and
gyrating the entire motor mount/engine/prop assy while running it full
tilt? Is this so? Most engine/prop/redrives are tested professionally
that way to check the forces.
[Marc Wiese]
Yes we are but it does not simulate what happens when a blade passes through a wing
wake.
Paul Lamar
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