Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

airplane propeller

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic3297.aspx

By propellerhead - 11/8/2012 11:02:08 PM

I have a home built airplane with a constant speed prop. The hub and all components are all usable but the original blades, made of extruded aluminum were prone to failure. I want to use the original blades to make a mold. Due to the shape of the propeller both side would have to be molded and the carbon fiber cloth sandwiched in between the two molds. Is there a way to do this and still vacuum bag and resin infuse the materials.
Also the finished propeller would be bolted with 3 bolts into root fittings that moves in the prop hub. Would it be best to laminate metal bushing into the propeller blades where the bolts would secure the propeller blade to the root fitting  or can the finished carbon fiber product be drilled out and be directly bolted into the root fittings.
Any guidance anyone can give to an individual with no experience working with carbon fiber would be appreciated. 
By haggisworks - 11/24/2012 12:18:33 PM

Hi. New here but a fellow aviator. 
Have to agree that you really don't want to even think about making a prop. The loads both in terms of centrifugal and gyroscopesare hhuge.  Also as prev mentioned by another member the effect of losing a blade couldxeasily be catastrophic. I'm guessing you probably spent many hours building the plane. Don't risk it.