Rolls-royce Corporation

Christopher M Whitehead

Simon Read

Ewan Fergus Thompson

Paul J Mason

Jeremy Nicholas Turner

Jeremy N Turner

A test blade for use in a blade-release test in which the blade is mounted on a rotatable hub and at least a portion of the blade is released therefrom by the action of a controlled explosion. The blade has a root portion for mounting on said rotatable hub and the root portion comprises a radially inner surface having a channel extending at least partly along or proximal the camber line. The channel is for receiving at least one explosive charge and at least one detonator which may be contained within a charge carrier.

Test blade

Percussive impacts due to bird strikes upon the hollow fan bladesare a well known problem. These percussive impacts not only deform previous fan blades but also reduce their stiffness. In accordance with the present invention, hollow fan bladesincorporate a cavitywithin which, a matrixwith embedded expandable elements, is located. Thus, upon a percussive impact these expandable elementsare released in order to create an internal pressure within the cavitywhich acts outwardly in order to relieve deformation and also stiffen the bladeas a result of the over pressure within the cavity

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Derby, United Kingdom

Christopher M Whitehead