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By: - 23rd February 2011 at 21:00 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wood is also light (> lower inertia > quicker throttle response) and - in case of a propeller - probably more easy to use for the complex shape that a propeller blade has while retaining adequate material properties.
By: - 23rd February 2011 at 23:20 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Also better vibration dampening qualities.
By: - 23rd February 2011 at 23:24 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
The Rotol prop blades are not plain wood but are high pressure resin impregnated laminates finished with an early plastic coating. One of the trade names was Jablo.
John
By: - 24th February 2011 at 17:30 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wooden airscrews
Were the original prop blades 'plain' wood, or were they resin impregnated also?
Thank you
By: - 24th February 2011 at 20:41 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I'm just reading Rotol, The History of an Airscrew Company by Bruce Stait at the moment...the Rotol wooden blades weren't specifically selected because wood was a non-strategic material, although it was undoubtedly a help. The company developed wooden and magnesium blades at the same time, but found that the wooden blades were better in terms of production and repairability. There were three types of wooden laminate used, Jablo, Jicwood and Hydulignum.
Interestingly, some Rotol props were based on the German VDM type, and one of the most important machines used in Rotol's factory throughout the war was of German manufacture too......
By: - 24th February 2011 at 23:46 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Were the original prop blades 'plain' wood, or were they resin impregnated also?The originals were indeed a resin impregnated compressed multi-ply material - as stated earlier. The modern Spitfire prop blades are made in Germany largely to the same recipie!Thank you
I'm just reading Rotol, The History of an Airscrew Company by Bruce Stait at the moment.
A fascinating book - well worth reading :-)
Posts: 5
By: gramps - 23rd February 2011 at 17:07
I apologize if this subject has been beat to death, but our museum's Spit Mk IXe has a four bladed propellor that is made of wood. I have heard many reasons, but I was hoping someone on this forum could clear up the confusion.
Wood because it is a non-strategic material, or because in case of a belly landing the wood will shatter and not destroy the crankshaft in the engine?
An (old) inquiring mind wants to know.
Thank you for any information.
John