Process for bonding main rotor blades from parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion

A process for bonding together into a composite structure parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion by means of an adhesive which cures at a curing temperature different from the use temperature at which the structure is to be used, the process comprising the steps of:

• applying the adhesive in an uncured state to the parts;
• affixing the parts together rigidly at the use temperature to form the composite structure;
• changing the temperature of the composite structure from the use temperature to the curing temperature;
• maintaining the composite structure at the curing temperature until the adhesive has cured, while keeping the parts affixed together and simultaneously permitting the composite structure to bow in accordance with the differeng coefficients of thermal expansion of the part;
• and,
• changing the temperature of the composite structure from the curing temperature to the use temperature after the adhesive has cured.

A process for bonding together into a composite structure parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion by means of an adhesive which cures at a curing temperature different from a use temperature at which the structure is to be used, the process comprising the steps of:

• affixing the parts together rigidly at the use temperature to form the composite structure prior to curing the adhesive;
• applying the adhesive in an uncured state to the parts;
• and,
• curing the adhesive at the curing temperature while keeping the parts affixed together and simultaneously permitting the composite structure to bow in accordance with the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the parts.

A process for bonding together into a composite structure parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion by means of an adhesive which cures at a curing temperature different from the use temperature at which the structure is to be used, the process comprising the steps of:

• affixing the parts together rigidly at the use temperature to form the composite structure;
• applying the adhesive in an uncured state to the parts;
• changing the temperature of the composite structure from the use temperature to the curing temperature;
• maintaining the composite structure at the curing temperature until the adhesive has cured, while keeping the parts affixed together and simultaneously permitting the composite structure to bow in accordance with the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the parts;
• and,
• changing the temperature of the composite structure from the curing temperature to the use temperature after the adhesive has cured.