Thermoplastics for green helicopter
Within LIGHT-TANK (Feasibility study and prototypes manufacturing of oil tank in thermoplastic for helicopter engine), researchers analysed different thermoplastic materials to produce cost-effective and lighter helicopter components. In particular, these new materials found use in the oil tank equipment mountings such as oil filling plug, draining plug and oil-level sight indicator. Furthermore, the materials were used in pipes connecting the gearbox casing and the oil pump to the tank. Researchers designed a thermoplastic-based oil tank prototype with dimensions 400x450x150 mm3. The normal operating temperature of the oil is 80 °C and does not go above 120 °C, whereas the difference in pressure inside and outside the tank is 15 kPa. The team also successfully manufactured two thermoplastic-based pipes of diameter 10-15 mm and length 400-500 mm. Once again, the average oil temperature is 80 °C and does not exceed 120 °C, whereas the pressure ranges from 150 to 700 kPa. Regulators are ratcheting up pressure on helicopter manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency. Thermoplastics are improving efficiency, also minimising environmental impact and operating costs.
Keywords
Thermoplastics, helicopter, fuel efficiency, LIGHT-TANK, oil tank
