Composite aerofoil

Abstract

A composite blade (26) comprises a three-dimensional arrangement of reinforcing fibers (58) and a matrix material (60) infiltrated around the three-dimensional arrangement of woven reinforcing fibers (60). The three-dimensional arrangement of woven reinforcing fibers (58) defines a plurality of cavities (56) within the aerofoil (28). The composite blade (26) comprises an aerofoil portion (38) and a root portion (36). The aerofoil portion (38) comprises a leading edge (44), a trailing edge (46), a concave pressure surface wall (50), a convex suction surface wall (52) and a tip (48). The aerofoil portion (36) comprises a plurality of webs (54) extending between, and being secured to, the concave pressure surface wall (50) and the convex suction surface wall (52) to produce a Warren girder structure. The three-dimensional arrangement of woven reinforcing fibers (58) are arranged to produce the concave pressure surface wall (50), the convex suction surface wall (52) and the plurality of webs (54). The matrix material (60) is an organic resin and the reinforcing fibers (58) comprise carbon fibers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.