Composite airfoil leading edge protection
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsChristopher J. Hertel, Charles R. Watson, Sol S. Blecherman, Gary M. Lomasney
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Abstract
Methods for improving the erosion resistance of composite airfoils are disclosed as are the resultant structures. Wire mesh materials are coated with an erosion-resistant coating, formed to the shape of the airfoil leading edge, and molded into the leading edge during airfoil fabrication.
Claims5
A method of making an erosion-resistant airfoil comprising the steps of impregnating the airfoil with resin, applying an erosion-resistant coating to a mesh prior to applying the mesh to the airfoil, thereby producing a coated mesh, the mesh having an open construction at its interstices after the erosion-resistant coating is applied, forming said coated mesh to contour about a leading edge of the airfoil, and integrally molding the mesh into the airfoil whereby the resin infiltrates from the airfoil through the mesh to secure the mesh to the airfoil.
A composite airfoil which is resistant to foreign object damage comprising a metallic mesh molded about its leading edge, said metallic mesh having an erosion-resistant coating thereon, such that the mesh has an open construction at its interstices after the erosion-resistant coating is applied to the mesh prior to molding.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.