Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T045
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T045
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, T045 (2023)
Analysis of temperature distribution in the main rotor blade
Ksenia Siadkowska1*
1 Department of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Aviation Propulsion Systems, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 38d, 20-618, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: k.siadkowska@pollub.pl
Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of the temperature distribution of a main rotor blade. A prototype blade designed for unmanned helicopters was equipped with an actuator made of shape memory material. Due to the actuator, it is possible to change the geometric twist angle of the blade and thereby increase the lift force of the helicopter. The nitinol actuator is activated by an increase in the temperature of the system and austenite-martensite transformation. The laminate the blade is made of has a limited thermal strength beyond which it can become delaminated and destroy the test object or shorten its operating life. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor the correct operation of such a system. The purpose of this study was to conduct a thermal monitoring of the prototype main rotor blade equipped with an actuator made of shape memory material. A Flir One Pro thermal imaging camera was used in the study. Thermally, the operation of the actuator consists of its heating and cooling under well-defined conditions. The actuator was equipped with three temperature sensors. Two are located inside the actuator structure and one outside in the laminate structure of the blade. As a result of the ongoing research, the uniformity of the temperature distribution on the surface of the supporting rotor blade was determined. The thermal loads acting on the laminate of the prototype blade were checked. The measurement and control installation for overvoltage protection was also monitored. The conducted research confirmed the correctness of the completed structures and the insulation used inside the blade. During the tests, there was no risk of delamination caused by excessive thermal loading.
How to cite
K. Siadkowska, 2023. Analysis of temperature distribution in the main rotor blade. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T045