Fatigue Life Evaluation of Helicopter Rotor Heads

Abstract

A comment was once made that a helicopter was a multi spindle Wohler fatigue machine. Although this is perhaps a rather unkind remark there is, nevertheless, some truth in the fact that a helicopter, by its very nature, produces large dynamic loads in its rotating system and becomes dominated by considerations of fatigue strength. The result of this is that it is necessary to make extensive calculations, flight measurements and subsequently testing of all parts of the helicopter in order to satisfy the air‐worthiness requirements and the evaluation of the fatigue life of the rotor head represents a substantial investment in time and money in any helicopter project. This paper is concerned with the way in which the testing of a rotor head, that is the hub centre, up to the attachment to the blades, is dealt with at Westland Helicopters.

Citation

(1981), "Fatigue Life Evaluation of Helicopter Rotor Heads", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 53 No. 6, pp. 6-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb035730