Development of an advanced composite hydrofoil control flap
Abstract
Experimental procedures applied to a full-scale graphite-epoxy aft inboard control flap intended for installation on the PCH-1 hydrofoil craft are described. The composite flap is designed to replace a steel flap as a means of weight savings amounting to 44%. Material requirements included the ability to carry a pressure loading of 6300 psf, possess tip deflection of 0.53 in. or less, a chordwise deflection of 0.23 in. or less, be controllable up to 100 knots, serviceable from -65 to 180 F and operable from 32 to 80 F, endure all weather conditions, perform in salt water, and last 15 yr. A Ti cladding was incorporated to inhibit moisture absorption. Static and fatigue tests were performed after 90 days soaking in salt water, along with bending tests after humidity and heat exposure, and finite element modeling defined the fatigue behavior. Bonding procedures and the final design configuration for sea trials are presented.
- Publication:
-
In: Fibrous composites in structural design. (A82-27126 12-05) New York
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980fcsd.book..659O
- Keywords:
-
- Flaps (Control Surfaces);
- Graphite-Epoxy Composites;
- Hydrofoils;
- Load Tests;
- Structural Design;
- Weight Reduction;
- Compression Tests;
- Fatigue Tests;
- Finite Element Method;
- Mechanical Properties;
- Structural Weight;
- Tensile Tests;
- Engineering (General)