A Novel Composite Helicopter Tail Rotor Blade with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

This paper describes the transition towards a composite structure, with same overall aerodynamic characteristics, for tail rotor blade of an IAR330 helicopter. The newly proposed structure is made carbon-roving spar embedded epoxy resin, hexagonal-cell honeycomb core manufactured by fused deposition modelling, and outer skin multiple carbon-fibre-reinforced laminae. was authors using hand lay-up method at scale 1:3 respect to real one, all stages manufacturing process are extensively described in paper. experimental tests were performed on Instron 8872 testing machine applying bending force its free edge, similar methodology employed various manufacturers. A three-dimensional numerical model conceived, analysed finite element method, validated comparing values maximum force. Further, used complex analysis that showed very good behaviour during flight emphasized main advantages brought structure.