A STRUCTURAL AND THERMAL STUDY OF AN OSCILLATING VIBRATION DAMPER

An elastomeric vibration damper experiencing cyclic loading within a h elicopter rotor blade assembly is analysed to better understand its th ermal characteristics. Experimental testing shows that elevated temper atures contribute to the degradation of the elastomer and adhesive sys tem, shortening service life. The statistical approach of `Designed Ex perimentation' is used to combine numerous design and environmental va riables to find maximum temperatures within the damper. Both structura l and thermal finite element analyses are used within the designed exp eriment to determine high temperatures of the damper for each of sever al trials. The designed experiment then ranks each variable in order o f importance in creating high temperatures within the damper.