Advantages Of Using Composite Material For Propellers

Possibility of using composite material for propellers

What are composites?

It is an undeniable fact that technological developments is dependent on the advancement in the field of materials. It does not require to be an expert to understand that the most advanced machine is useless if the proper materials to withstand the service load and conditions are not used. In whatever field may be, the last limitation on advancement relies on materials. As a result, scientists and engineers are making great efforts to produce either new materials or to improve the traditional materials. Composite materials are an example of the new materials.

According to F.C Campbell, a composite material can be defined as two or more materials combined together to

There are many examples in nature where composites are used. For example, the coconut leaf is mainly a cantilever that uses the idea of fiber reinforcement. Bones are another examples of composites that support the weight of different body parts. Moreover, there are many engineered composites. For example, the carbon black in rubber or the asphalt mixed with cement.

Advantages of using composite materials

1. With its relative lower weight, the stiffness and strength of the composite material are relatively higher than the original materials.

2. Composite materials can have specific mechanical properties to perform a specific task. For example, we can adjust the wear resistance, toughness, thermal and so on

3. The production cost for composite materials is lower as we can make it from different processes.

4. Composites are well known for their resistance to corrosion and other solvents

Disadvantages of using composite materials

1. Composites are more brittle than wrought metal( Wrought metal are metal that are shaped by

Carbon fiber

2. Natural composites

3. Glass fiber reinforced plastics

Carbon Fiber

Propellers made of carbon fiber is becoming more and more popular these days. Carbon fiber is manufactured from very thin filament of carbon atoms which is combined together with plastic polymer resin by heat, pressure or in a vacuum. Carbon composite propeller blades are strong, lightweight and durable. The 200C/400C aerobatic series propeller of Whirl Wind Aviation make use of the carbon fiber blades as shown in figure 3 below Figure 3: The 200C/400C aerobatic series propeller

Source: http://www.whirlwindaviation.com/props/200400series.asp

Furthermore, Hartzell propeller also uses carbon fiber to manufacture propellers. The Hartzell ASC- II comprises of carbon fiber integrated into a co-molded stainless steel shank. Figure 4 below shows a 3 blade ASC - II propeller. Figure 4: 3 blade ASC - II propeller

Source: http://hartzellprop.com/products/propeller-systems/composite-propellers-piston-engine-aircraft/

Natural Composites

The natural composite blades are manufactured using high compressed thin laminated beech wood in the root section and a selection of lightweight laminated spruce wood is used for the remaining part of the blade. Layers of epoxy fiberglass, Kevlar® or carbon fiber are used to reinforced the wooden