Rotor Tower Design

[joe nelson]

One project that I've undertaken is to build a test tower for my rotor blades. My major question is, what data will I need to gather? I know the basics like rrpm and strain gauges to determine lift. What about coning angles or cameras to monitor blade flex/flutter/resonance.

I've gathered most of the components I think I'll need to assemble it but some parts are slow in coming. Now, it looks like late winter before I can put it together. I want to make it mobile so it could be taken to gyro events and somewhere it where it will be safe to operate.

Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.:usa2:

[quadrirotor]

Can you explain what you actually want to know? Thanks.

[joe nelson]

Andre,

My goal is to test blades that I've built for performance and strength. I have been working on wooden blades, with servo flaps, much like the Kaman system for several months and I would like to determine if this system can be modified for use on gyros.

Much of what I've read about this system is very positive and could improve gyro safety and performance. My reading indicates that servo flaps reduce the possibility of flutter making larger blade diameters more practical. Larger blades would improve useful loads so more safety equipment may be carried. As for performance, this system can be modified easily to incorporated a collective making short or jump take off and vertical landings possible.

Andre, imagine a Chevy S-10 with a rotor... that's where I want to go! A 1000 pound useful load, 100 MPH cruise and 200 mile range...that's my goal!

[quadrirotor]

May be this rigging could be usefull!?!...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTmOB5ig6JE

[joe nelson]

Andre,

I've seen this method used before. I guess it's like trainning wheels on your bicycle!:wave: