Abstract: A propeller or fan blade is rotatably mounted to a blade retention pitch member by a pin radially outside of a spinner. By mounting the propeller blade for rotation about the axis of the pin, the blade response to a vibratory excitation in a first mode of vibration is modified such that the twisting motion of the blade is minimized. High speed stability of the blade is enhanced thereby. Moreover a damaged blade may be easily replaced.

Abstract: An essentially composite propeller or fan blade is provided which is rotatably mounted to a blade retention pitch member by a pin radially outside of a propeller spinner or hub. The blade has a plurality of composite layers wrapped directly around a root fairing which engages the pin. The propeller blade has a motion limiter provided at the base thereof which cooperates with the blade retention pitch member to damp rotational movement of the blade about the pin to minimize blade angular excursions when centrifugal loads are low, to moderate blade vibratory motion, to help tune out undesirable blade resonant frequencies and to transmit force created by impact with foreign objects to the pitch member. By cooperating with the pitch retention member, the root of the blade may be more aerodynamically shaped than other composite blades which must absorb the force of impact in their root portions.

Abstract: A storage rack for nuclear fuel assemblies is located in the pool and formed of grids, each grid formed of fixedly connected cross members. Four separate grids are used with each of the four grids horizontally restrained by adjacent walls in a manner which restrains forces perpendicular to each wall but permits sliding in response to forces parallel to each wall. Each of the grids are supported at locations between the grids, by members which slidably support the grids. The support members are further slidably supported on a central column.