Apparatus for introducing test loads to a rotor blade
An apparatus for introducing a test load to a rotor blade test specimen for fatigue testing includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis in a first direction from a first end to a second end, and the body having an internal cavity with an opening at the second end configured to dispose a tip portion of the rotor blade test specimen.
1. An apparatus for introducing a test load to a rotor blade test specimen for fatigue testing, the apparatus comprising:
a body extending along a longitudinal axis in a first direction from a first end to a second end; and
the body having an internal cavity, with an opening at the second end, configured to dispose a tip portion of the rotor blade test specimen;
wherein a stiffness of the body progressively decreases in the first direction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the body progressively decreases in the first direction.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a clamp portion extending from the first end, the clamp portion have a top planar section and bottom planar section; and
a load transfer portion extending from the clamp portion to the second end.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a stiffness of the load transfer portion progressively decreases in the first direction.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a thickness of the load transfer portion progressively decreases in the first direction.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body consists of a single piece.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body consists of two pieces.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises an alignment feature configured to position the rotor blade test specimen in a fatigue testing jig whereby the test load will be applied at a desired position.
9. An apparatus for introducing a test load to a rotor blade test specimen for fatigue testing, the apparatus comprising:
a body extending along a longitudinal axis in a first direction from a first end to a second end, the body, a stiffness of the body progressively decreasing in the first direction, the body comprising:
an internal cavity, having an opening at the second end, configured to dispose a tip portion of the rotor blade test specimen;
a clamp portion extending from the first end, the clamp portion have a top planar section and bottom planar section; and
a load transfer portion extending from the clamp portion to the second end, wherein a stiffness of the load transfer portion progressively decreases in the first direction.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the body consists of a single piece.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the body consists of two pieces.
12. A method for preparing a rotor blade test specimen for fatigue testing, the method comprising:
producing an apparatus for introducing a test load from a test jig to the rotor blade test specimen, wherein the apparatus comprises a body extending along a longitudinal axis in a first direction from a first end to a second end, and the body having an internal cavity with an opening at the second end; and
positioning a tip portion of the rotor blade test specimen inside the internal cavity;
wherein a stiffness of the body progressively decreases in the first direction.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the apparatus consists of a single piece.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the apparatus consists of two pieces.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein a thickness of the body progressively decreases in the first direction.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the body comprises a clamp portion extending from the first end, the clamp portion have a top planar section and bottom planar section, and a load transfer portion extending from the clamp portion to the second end, wherein a stiffness of the load transfer portion progressively decreases in the first direction.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the body consists of a single piece.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the body consists of two pieces.