Thomas F Irwin

US Patent:

40069990, Feb 8, 1977

Filed:

Jul 17, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/596905

Inventors:

James W. Brantley - Cincinnati OH
Thomas P. Irwin - Fairfield OH

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

F01D 528

US Classification:

416224

Abstract:

A laminated filament composite structure, such as an airfoil for use in an environment in which it is subjected to both foreign object impact and bending is provided with improved leading edge protection. At least one fine wire mesh layer is partially bonded within the composite structure along its neutral bending axis. A portion of the wire mesh layer extends beyond the neutral bending axis and partially around the leading edge where it is bonded to the outer periphery of the primary composite structure. The wire mesh is clad with a metal such as nickel to provide an improved leading edge protective device which is firmly anchored within the composite structure. The neutral bending axis anchoring tends to retain the leading edge protective device intact even after the delamination of the composite structure. Also described is a novel method of constructing a composite airfoil so as to further minimize the possibility of losing the leading edge protective device due to delamination caused by impact and bending.

Address:

2845 Rosella Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208

VIN:

1G2ZH18N474187742

Make:

PONTIAC

Model:

G6

Year:

2007