Abstract: A method for assembling a fan platform for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes determining an area of vulnerability to impact and erosion damage across the platform, forming a sheet of cladding metal to substantially conform to a contour of the identified area of vulnerability of the platform, and bonding the cladding metal to the identified area of vulnerability.

Abstract: A composite article, for example a blading member of a gas turbine engine, comprising a plurality of stacked layers of in-plane reinforcing fibers bonded together with a matrix resin is provided with enhanced resistance to impact cracking, material loss and/or delamination through use of a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing pins disposed into the article at an angle to the stacked layers, in one form disposed in a selected article region generally to resist strain energy generated during operation of the region. In another form, enhanced resistance is provided through the combination of a matrix resin including properties comprising a tensile strain property of at least 5% and a K1c toughness of at least about 850 psi-inch1/2, and a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing pins disposed into the article at an angle to the stacked layers.

Abstract: A composite article, for example a blading member of a gas turbine engine, comprising a plurality of stacked layers of in-plane reinforcing fibers bonded together with a matrix resin is provided with enhanced resistance to impact cracking, material loss and/or delamination through use of a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing pins disposed into the article at an angle to the stacked layers, in one form disposed in a selected article region generally to resist strain energy generated during operation of the region. In another form, enhanced resistance is provided through the combination of a matrix resin including properties comprising a tensile strain property of at least 5% and a K1c toughness of at least about 850 psi·inch1/2, and a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing pins disposed into the article at an angle to the stacked layers.