Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade that has a blade body and a control flap secured to the blade body. The rotor blade has a first primary mover capable of generating a first linear motion that is sufficient to generate a high amplitude, low frequency motion of the control flap; and a second primary mover capable of generating a second linear motion that is sufficient to generate a small amplitude, high frequency motion of the control flap. Further, the rotor blade has a coupling transmission for combining the first linear motion with the second linear motion that generates a cumulative linear motion; and a second transmission device that causes the cumulative linear motion to rotate the control flap.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade having a blade body that defines a confined space and a control flap that is secured to the blade body that moves through a range of motion. An electric machine is secured inside of the rotor blade body that rotates a motor shaft. A transmission device is secured to the motor shaft and the control flap that transfers rotary motion of the motor shaft to the control flap to generate movement of the control flap through its range of motion. The transmission device remains substantially within the confined space throughout the range of motion.

Abstract: A self-lubricated actuator for a rotor blade flap of a helicopter having a housing; a motor having a shaft disposed in a bearing is provided. The actuator further has an output rod and a mechanism operatively associated with the motor and the output rod to transmit movement from the motor to the output rod. The housing includes a lubrication medium capable of substantially immersing the bearing, the motor shaft and the mechanism during operation.

Abstract: A turbine blade with improved tip cooling includes an airfoil having a tip cap and a tip wall extending outwardly from the tip cap. A recessed portion of the tip wall forms a tip shelf. At least one tip shelf hole extends through the tip shelf in flow communication with an internal airfoil cooling circuit. At least one tip wall opening extends through the recessed portion of the tip wall radially outward of the tip shelf in flow communication with the internal cooling circuit. The recessed tip wall portion may be tapered from a wider base to a minimum thickness. In a cooling method, cooling air channeled through the tip wall openings joins and mixes with a stream of hot combustion gases downstream of where cooling air channeled through the tip shelf openings joins and mixes with the stream of hot gasses to enhance convection cooling of the blade tip.

Abstract: A method for optimization of operating parameters of a wind energy installation defines an upper and a lower interval limit value for a parameter to be optimized. The method includes carrying out a cycle with alternate operations of the wind energy installation with the interval limit values, with a data record in each case being produced with a target variable over a variable number of repetitions. The data records relating to the interval limit values are evaluated to form a quality measure, and the interval limit value with the poorer quality measure is identified. Then, at least the interval limit value with the poorer quality measure is replaced by shifting through a step value ? in a direction of another interval limit value. The cycle is then repeated.

Abstract: Wind turbine blade (10) including adjustable lift-regulating means (12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21) arranged on or at the surface of the wind turbine blade (10), said lift-regulating means being provided with activating means by means of which they can be adjusted and thus alter the aerodynamic properties of the blade (10). The lift-regulating means (12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21) and the activating means are adapted and arranged such that by activation of the activating means, the lift can be reduced in a zone extending in the longitudinal direction of the blade (10) from a first position adjacent the blade tip (14) to a second position between the position and the blade root (16) and this second position is variable in the longitudinal direction of the blade (10) by adjusting activate means. The lift-regulating means are formed of at least one flexible flap (12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21).

Abstract: A rotor for a wind power installation having at least one rotor blade. The smaller the surface area on which the wind acts, that is to say in particular the rotor blade area, the correspondingly lower is the load level for which installation has to be designed and the correspondingly more easily can the rotor blade be transported. On the other hand the size of the wind power installation entails minimum dimensions which are unavoidable for operation and below which the installation dimensions may not fall. In order to provide a rotor blade which on the one hand has the aerodynamically required surface area but which on the other hand is so designed that the surface area of the rotor blade and therewith the depth thereof can be reduced in predetermined situations a part of the surface of the rotor blade is deformmable or movable.

Abstract: The stern end of a seawater hull has a rotor hub with propeller blades thereon. The rotor hub is rotated for propulsion of the hull by means of a propeller shaft extending through a sealed compartment within the hull. Such sealed compartment and an electrically powered control system is disposed within the hull to automatically adjust angular deflection of deformable tip portions of the propeller blades by means of blade embedded actuators, in response to varying input signals which respectively reflect changes in seawater conditions such as temperature and strain imposed on the propeller blades during propelling rotation of the rotor hub.

Abstract: A solar-paneled windmill is provided having aerodynamic fan blades provided with solar panels. The windmill produces electricity using wind energy and solar energy. In another embodiment, magnets are provided to the solar-paneled windmill fan blades to generate magnetic fields to increase the amount of electrical energy produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind power generating apparatus in which windmill blades are mounted in a multi-stage fashion to a rotating shaft while being spaced apart from one another to efficiently generate wind power. Each windmill blade includes blade bodies mounted to the rotating shaft, and provided with wind pressure adjusting holes, wind pressure adjusting plates coupled to each blade body, and connected together to a wire, each wind pressure adjusting plate being slidable along guides respectively arranged at opposite sides of the associated wind pressure adjusting hole to adjust an opening degree of the wind pressure adjusting hole, elastic members each adapted to connect one end of the associated wire to the associated blade body, and winches each adapted to connect the other end of the associated blade body, the winches being mounted to a single shaft to simultaneously wind or unwind all wire.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade (10) comprising one or more means (4) secured to the blade (10) for changing the profile thereof depending on the atmospheric temperature. The means comprises at least one laminate having at least two layers of materials with differing thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly system includes a trim tab assembly which utilizes relatively thick resilient members bonded between a trim tab and the two trim tab doublers. Spanwise segmenting of the tab and the use of thick resilient member isolates the trim tab from normal strain. Because the trim tab is made of aluminum, the tab can be readily adjusted the field using a conventional tool.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade made of a fixed blade section with an integral mounting flange for attachment to a wind turbine hub. A moveable blade section is attached to the fixed blade section and is free to move in a longitudinal direction relative to the fixed blade section. A positioning device controllably positions the moveable blade section to vary the overall length of the blade. This allows the wind turbine's rotor diameter to be adjusted. The rotor diameter can be increased in order to provide high power output in low wind conditions and it can be decreased in order to minimize loads in high wind conditions.

Abstract: Process for designing flight controllers, in which first for the rigid airplane and then for the elastic airplane the damping and the phase delay for each excitation frequency is determined, and the flight controller is adapted in such a manner that the structural responses to each excitation frequency for both the rigid airplane and the elastic airplane in the open control circuit outside two design fields, applicable to the elastic airplane, are laid around the instability points in the data field comprising damping and phase delay, whereby for the design of the elastic airplane between the phase delays of −270 degrees and −495 degrees, a damping exceeding −6 dB is allowed.

Abstract: A variable edge rotor blade adapted to be driven by the rotor hub includes an airfoil section; a movable edge section coupled to the airfoil section, and an actuator device operating independently of the hub, disposed in the blade proximate the movable edge section, fixed to the airfoil section and coupled to the movable edge section for oscillating it between an increased lift and decreased lift position.

Abstract: An air moving apparatus for generating cooling airflow is provided that includes a noise reduction system for reducing noise generated by a fan. The air moving apparatus includes a fan having a rotatable hub and a plurality of blades mounted to the hub for rotating about an axis of rotation to provide pressurized airflow. A sensor is situated on a surface of at least one fan blade for sensing airflow characteristics of the air flowing over the fan blade. An actuator, also situated on the surface of the fan blade, changes the characteristic of the airflow over the fan blade in response to the sensed airflow characteristic.

Abstract: An elastomeric coupler assembly having a helical elastomeric bearing movably supports an active slat relative to a main element. An inner elastomeric coupler assembly and an outer elastomeric coupler assembly support the slat therebetween. Centrifugal force operates to drive the slat to a first position and an actuator rod operates in tension to pull upon the inner elastomeric coupler assembly to drive the slat in opposition to the centrifugal force to a second position. The helical elastomeric bearing is layered such that it defines a section of a circular helix. The circular helix provides a coupling, which converts a linear input parallel to a virtual hinge axis into a rotary output to pitch the slat. In operation, centrifugal force operates to slide the slat outboard toward the blade tip such that the attached slat moves elastomerically along the helical arc of the helical elastomeric bearing to rotate the slat nose down.

Abstract: Rotor blade for a helicopter having an aerodynamic control flap, particularly a camber flap, is integrated essentially in the contour of the blade profile. The camber flap is swivellably arranged on an axis of rotation and is linked to a control rod of a control device outside the axis of rotation, for converting a linear movement into a swivelling movement of the control flap. The control device is disposed by way of roller bearings and bolts aligned in the span direction. Devices are provided which absorb by way of the control flap centrifugal forces of the control device resulting from the rotation of the rotor blade.

Abstract: An elastomeric coupler assembly having a helical elastomeric bearing movably supports an active slat relative to a main element. An inner elastomeric coupler assembly and an outer elastomeric coupler assembly support the slat therebetween. Centrifugal force operates to drive the slat to a first position and an actuator rod operates in tension to pull upon the inner elastomeric coupler assembly to drive the slat in opposition to the centrifugal force to a second position. The helical elastomeric bearing is layered such that it defines a section of a circular helix. The circular helix provides a coupling, which converts a linear input parallel to a virtual hinge axis into a rotary output to pitch the slat. In operation, centrifugal force operates to slide the slat outboard toward the blade tip such that the attached slat moves elastomerically along the helical arc of the helical elastomeric bearing to rotate the slat nose down.

Abstract: A multi-element rotor blade includes a main element and an active slat movable relative to the main element. The slat rotates and translates relative to the main element from a base position. The base position provides a compromise between minimum coefficient of drag CD and maximum coefficient of lift CLmax. In the advancing blade, since the airspeed thereof is significantly greater than the retreating blade, the slat is positively rotated from the base position to minimizes drag at low angles of attack. In the retreating blade, since the airspeed thereof is significantly lower than the advancing blade, the slat is negatively rotated and translated to maximize the coefficient of lift CLmax.

Abstract: A force transmitting linkage connects a piezoelectric actuator to a flap that is pivotably connected to a helicopter rotor blade. In a flap actuation control arrangement and method, a force transducer senses the force being transmitted through the linkage and generates a corresponding actual force signal, a flap position sensor senses the position of the flap and generates a corresponding actual flap position signal, a first controller receives a desired flap position signal and the actual flap position signal and responsively thereto generates a reference signal, and a second controller receives the reference signal and the actual force signal and responsively thereto generates a control signal that is provided to the piezoelectric actuator. This provides a real time flap actuation control with respect to highly dynamic forces as well as friction forces acting on the flap.

Abstract: A rotor blade arrangement includes a rotor blade with a hollow blade chamber therein, and a flap module removably arranged and secured in the blade chamber. The flap module includes a module housing received in the blade chamber, an actuator arranged in the housing, a flap pivotably arranged at an edge of the housing, and a power transmission linkage connecting the actuator to the flap. The module housing is inserted through an opening into the blade chamber, so that the flap protrudes and forms a continuation of the aerodynamic contour of the blade. The flap may be a trailing edge flap at the trailing edge or a leading edge nose flap at the leading edge of the blade. The flap module does not change the center of gravity of the blade. The entire flap module can be easily removed from the blade for adjustment, inspection, maintenance, repair or replacement.

Abstract: The present invention is an oscillating wing system like lifting surface featuring a symmetrical profile mounted free to rotate over a fixation point located ahead neutral point and self-trimming at angle of attack in the flow by adjustment of a trailing edge elevon, and whose the system is actuated by linear lateral or vertical movement allowing to produce electrical energy with the wind flow or water flow of a deep river or at flood/ebb tide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for regulating the airflow around a blade of a windmill. The device comprise a spoiler, which is provided with a cavity. The spoiler is mounted to a surface of the blade in connection with an another flow regulating unit, and the spoiler can change the airflow around the blade by assuming 12 different forms. When the spoiler is in a deactivated form no particular changes of the airflow takes place, as the spoiler runs continually and follows the contour of the blade. When the spoiler is in an activated form the airflow, however, is changed in that the spoiler no longer follows the contours of the blade and creates a discontinuity or at least changes the profile of the blade in such way that the airflow conditions are changed. In particular the airflow conditions can be changed so the effect of the second flow regulating unit completely or partly is eliminated.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive rod subject to a magnetic field generated by an electrical activating coil within a pocket of a propeller blade is held in abutment with the body of the blade to effect its deflection causing change in shape involving a variation in blade camber in accordance with electrically powered adjustment control.

Abstract: Rotor blade for a helicopter having an aerodynamic control flap, particularly a camber flap, is integrated essentially in the contour of the blade profile. The camber flap is swivellably arranged on an axis of rotation and is linked to a control rod of a control device outside the axis of rotation, for converting a linear movement into a swivelling movement of the control flap. The control device is disposed by way of roller bearings and bolts aligned in the span direction. Devices are provided which absorb by way of the control flap centrifugal forces of the control device resulting from the rotation of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A flap actuator system for an airfoil structure including a flap member for controlling the airfoil structure; a bearing member interconnected with the flap member and airfoil structure; and an electromagnetic motor segment integral with the flap member and airfoil structure for rotating the flap member about the axis of the bearing member relative to the airfoil structure and including a field circuit integral with one of the flap member and airfoil structure and an armature circuit integral with the other; the bearing member may be a tension member which is attached to the airfoil structure at a first point and to the flap member at a second point spaced from the first point.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a helicopter has a blade root for a fastening in the area of the rotor mast and a radially exterior blade tip. An aerodynamic control flap is integrated essentially in the contour of the blade profile is swivellably disposed in the rotor blade between the blade root and the blade tip. The control flap is disposed at its two ends in each case by way of roller bearings on bearing bolts aligned in the span direction of the rotor blade. The bearing of the control flap which is radially on the outside has devices which provide a support with respect to the centrifugal forces of the control flap upon the rotor blade resulting from the rotation of the rotor blade.

Abstract: An active control device for reducing blade-vortex interactions (BVI) noise generated by a rotorcraft, such as a helicopter, comprises a segmented trailing edge flap located near the tip of each of the rotorcraft's rotor blades. The various flap segments may be independently actuated according to flap deflections schedules which are tailored to address a particular operating regime with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Through the careful azimuth-dependent independent actuation of the flap segments, blade tip vortices which are the primary source for BVI noise are (a) made weaker and (b) pushed farther away from the rotor disk (that is, larger blade-vortex separation distances are achieved), resulting in lower BVI noise.

Abstract: A flap hinge mechanism has a blade-secured portion secured to blade, a flap-secured portion secured to flap, and a coupling portion which couples the blade-secured portion and the flap-secured portion so as to permit angular displacement. The blade-secured portion, coupling portion, and flap-secured portion are formed of fibers which serve as composite material. The fibers of the blade-secured portion and flap-secured portion are impregnated with matrices, and the fibers of the coupling portion are not impregnated with a matrix. Such constitution permits attainment of smooth flap motion in spite of large centrifugal forces, making the achievement of thin, light designs possible.

Abstract: A tilt and swivel positioning device for positioning a servo flap in a rotor blade. The device contains a tilt element and a bearing element. The tilt element is swivellably attached to the bearing element. The bearing arrangement has a convex roll-off surface resting against a concave roll-off surface. The radius of the concave roll-off surface exceeds the radius of the convex roll-off surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the blade-vortex interaction noise of rotary wings. According to the invention: at least one value &PSgr;o of the azimuth of the blades (1) is determined, for which value said blades shed tip vortices giving rise to a peak intensity of noise; a trailing edge flap (2) is disposed on each blade (1), the former generating an auxiliary vortex (11), parallel to the tip vortex (10) and attached to a blade section (8) lying between the blade section (7) around which the speed circulation is a maximum and the tip section (3) of said blade; and a deflection is applied to each of said flaps (2) such that, for said value &PSgr;o, the speed circulation around said blade section (8) is a specified fraction of the maximum speed circulation.

Abstract: A force transmitting linkage connects a piezoelectric actuator to a flap that is pivotably connected to a helicopter rotor blade. In a flap actuation control arrangement and method, a force transducer senses the force being transmitted through the linkage and generates a corresponding actual force signal, a flap position sensor senses the position of the flap and generates a corresponding actual flap position signal, a first controller receives a desired flap position signal and the actual flap position signal and responsively thereto generates a reference signal, and a second controller receives the reference signal and the actual force signal and responsively thereto generates a control signal that is provided to the piezoelectric actuator. This provides a real time flap actuation control with respect to highly dynamic forces as well as friction forces acting on the flap.

Abstract: A flap support mechanism for attachment of a flap to a rotor blade so as to permit angular displacement with respect thereto has a tension-torsion member disposed coaxial with a hinge axis of the flap. One end at the blade root side of the tension-torsion member is secured to the rotor blade. The other end at the blade tip side of the tension-torsion member is secured to the flap. The tension-torsion member is placed such that it passes through a narrow cavity formed at the interior of the rotor blade. Such construction permits smooth flap motion in spite of a large centrifugal force.

Abstract: A variable edge rotor blade adapted to be driven by the rotor hub includes an airfoil section; a movable edge section coupled to the airfoil section, and an actuator device operating independently of the hub, disposed in the blade proximate the movable edge section, fixed to the airfoil section and coupled to the movable edge section for oscillating it between an increased lift and decreased lift position.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a helicopter has a blade root for a fastening in the area of the rotor mast and a radially exterior blade tip. An aerodynamic control flap is integrated essentially in the contour of the blade profile is swivellably disposed in the rotor blade between the blade root and the blade tip. The control flap is disposed at its two ends in each case by way of roller bearings on bearing bolts aligned in the span direction of the rotor blade. The bearing of the control flap which is radially on the outside has devices which provide a support with respect to the centrifugal forces of the control flap upon the rotor blade resulting from the rotation of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A system for quasi-statically correcting tracking of rotor blades of a helicopter rotor during operation includes a trim tab mounted on each rotor blade and deflectable relative to the rotor blade so as to change a tracking path of the rotor blade, and a rotor track and balance analyzer that includes sensors for acquiring rotor tracking and balance information and is operable to process the rotor tracking and balance information so as to predetermine a new tab position to which the trim tab should be deflected for bringing the tracking path of a mistracking rotor blade into alignment with a reference path. The trim tab is deflected by an actuator mounted to the rotor blade, the actuator having an actuating element coupled with the trim tab and formed of a smart material such that the actuating element deforms proportional to a stimulus applied to the actuating element.

Abstract: An actuator and first to fourth links constitute a first displacement magnifying mechanism. An input shaft which is fixed in a basal end of the first and second links, a support shaft which is fixed in a basal end of the third and fourth links, and a displacement magnifying lever constitute a second displacement magnifying mechanism. In the displacement magnifying lever, an intermediate portion is angularly displaceably coupled to a tip end of the support shaft, a tip end of the input shaft is angularly displaceably coupled to one end, and an output rod is angularly displaceably coupled to another end. The expansion and contraction of the actuator are magnified by the first and second displacement magnifying mechanisms so as to drive a flap angularly via output rod. According to this configuration, the displacement of the actuator can be largely magnified so that the flap can be sufficiently angularly displaced in the vertical direction and in a reciprocal manner.

Abstract: An airfoil member, especially a rotor blade for a helicopter, includes an airfoil body and a servo-actuated flap tiltably connected to the airfoil body so as to form at least a portion of the trailing edge of the airfoil member. At least one piezoelectric actuator is arranged inside the airfoil member, and connected to the servo-flap via a transmission mechanism and a connecting rod linkage so as to tiltingly deflect the servo-flap as needed. Preferably, two counter-acting piezoelectric actuators are connected to the flap via respective transmission mechanisms and connecting rod linkages. An elongation of the piezoelectric actuators in the span width direction of the airfoil member is converted or redirected into an actuating motion in the chord length direction of the airfoil member by the transmission mechanisms.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade includes a main airfoil body (12) and a movable control flap (3) incorporated in the trailing edge profile of the airfoil body. The flap (3) is movably connected to the main airfoil body (12) by a flexibly bendable junction element (4), and is actuated by a piezoelectric actuator unit (5) via a push/pull rod (6) and a lever arm (7), whereby the control flap is deflected relative to the main airfoil body. The junction element (4) is preferably a continuous integral fiber-reinforced composite component having a flexible bending portion (42) with a reduced thickness in comparison to the adjoining portions, whereby the reinforcing fibers extend continuously through the joint in the direction of the connection between the main airfoil body and the flap.

Abstract: The blade includes at least one trailing edge swivelling air flow control flap, swivelling on the blade around an axis directed substantially along the span of the blade and the control flap, the swivelling of the control flap being controlled by an actuator gear mounted on the blade and including an actuator. The actuator includes a first rotating motor, the rotational speed of which corresponds to a frequency of swivelling of the control flap, and a second rotating motor which moves relative to each other two eccentrics mounted in series around the shaft of the first motor, the second motor rotating with one of the eccentrics, and a ring freely rotating around the eccentrics is driven in movements transmitted by a flexible arm transmission to the control flap. The frequency and amplitude controls of the swivelling of the air flow control flap are thus separated.

Abstract: A turbine blade having an extensible tail is described. The extensible tail is selectively positionable during engine operation, enabling fine-tuning for maximum power and efficiency during engine operation. During periods of operation exhibiting low Reynolds number flows, the extensible tail is projected out from the trailing edge of the turbine blade, into the gas path. As Reynolds number flows increase, the extensible tail is retracted back into the turbine blade, maximizing turbine engine efficiency.

Abstract: An actively controlled helicopter rotor blade includes a trailing edge flap actuated by a fast-acting actuator. A lightweight, rugged, fast-acting actuator suitable for use as the flap actuator comprises a pair of column actuators composed of a smart material such as piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory alloy or other material that exhibits a shape change when subjected to an external stimulus. Each of the column actuators is composed of multiple piezoelectric ceramic actuator elements bonded together to form the individual columns. Each of the column actuators engages the base of an actuator tube that, in turn, is urged against the column actuators by a tension member. Differential voltage applied to the columns causes a differential elongation of the column actuators, which causes the actuator tube to pivot about an axis proximal the tips of the column actuators. The movement of the actuator tube is coupled by a linkage to the rotor blade flap.

Abstract: A flap is attached to a rear end of a blade so as to be angularly displaceable. Displacement magnifying means magnifies the amount of displacement from an actuator to drive the flap. An input portion to which the displacement is applied from the actuator is expandably and contractibly supported by bellows. Likewise, an output portion to which the input amount of displacement is magnified is expandably and contractibly supported by a bellows. Consequently, displacement magnifying means is realized in which, compared with a existing piston with O ring which slides on the cylinder inner wall, no deterioration in response characteristic due to high friction occurs when the actuator is displaced at high speed, and no fluid leakage due to deterioration or wear of the O ring occurs. According to this structure, a rotor blade flap driving apparatus is obtained which has displacement magnifying means with fast response and no fluid leakage.

Abstract: A rotary actuator (18) is provided, including an actuator assembly (20). The actuator assembly includes a torque tube (24) formed of a shape memory alloy, a super elastic NiTinol return spring (26) having a proximal end (46) and a distal end (44), and a torque tube heating element (30) positioned near the torque tube. The torque tube (24) includes a proximal end (32) and a distal end (34). The return spring and torque tube are connected at their ends, with the torque tube being pretwisted while in a martensitic state relative to the spring. Activation of the heating element causes the torque tube to enter an austenitic state in which it returns to its previous untwisted configuration. Removal of heat allows the torque tube to return to a martensitic state, further allowing the return spring to retwist the torque tube. Further provided is a unique locking assembly (22) for use with the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A rotor blade is provided with rotary spoilers rotatably supported in recesses formed in a blade body, respectively, so that the upper surface of each rotary spoiler serves as a portion of the wind surface of the rotor blade. Each rotary spoiler is turned so as to protrude from the wing surface of the blade body to make the rotary spoiler exercise its function when the rotor blade is turned to an appropriate rotary angular position to control noise and vibrations by changing the lift of the rotor blade. Each rotary spoiler is driven for turning by a driving mechanism having a driving member made of a piezoelectric material, and the operation of the driving mechanism is controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a rotor tip jet engine which combines ram compression and centrifugal compression to increase the thrust. A first flow of fuel is dispersed in the ram air and is carried into a combustion area of the engine. A separate flow of fuel is injected into the centrifugally compressed air before the fuel air mixture enters the combustion area. For helicopters and other applications, the ram jet engine combines ram air and a separate mass of compressed air which is directed into the combustion area for increased thrust. A regulator or control mechanism is also provided for regulating the quantity of compressed air which is added. The regulator or control mechanism may also be used to cut off or stop the addition of the separate mass of compressed air.

Abstract: A propeller blade fabricated from composite material having a plurality of pper layers, each upper layer being flexible and having fibers oriented in a first direction. The material further includes a plurality of lower layers, each lower layer being flexible and having fibers oriented in a second direction which is different than the first direction of the fibers of the upper layers. A flexible layer of resistive heating material is disposed between the upper and lower layers. A control and power supply are provided for controlling the amount of electricity delivered to the layer of resistive heating material. The composite material changes its shape upon changing the temperature of the layer of resistive heating material by manipulating the controller.

Abstract: A rotor blade made of fiber-reinforced synthetic resin has a profile which, at least in the region of the blade tip is designed so as to be twistable by actuators about the rotor blade longitudinal axis. The torsion skin of the rotor blade in the region of the blade tip is designed anisotropically in the sense of a tension/torsion coupling and a controllable actuator, which acts in a longitudinal direction of the rotor blade upon the rotor blade tip, is disposed in the rotor blade spar. To achieve anisotropy, the torsion skin is a uni-directional winding having a winding angle of less than 45.degree. relative to the rotor blade longitudinal axis. The winding angle is dependent upon the force-to-displacement ratio of the actuator and may lie between 18.degree. and 40.degree.. In the region of the blade tip, the anisotropic torsion skin is disposed resting loosely on the rotor blade spar.

Abstract: A blade of the rotor is attached to a main rotor shaft, and is rotated counterclockwise at a high speed when viewed from above. In the vicinity of the blade tip, a flap having a wing shape in section is pivotally supported with a hinge so as to be angularly displaceable and at the end a part of the rear end of the blade is cut out. A hinge line which indicates the center of the angular displacement of the hinge is formed so as to be parallel to a straight line passing through the rotation center of the rotor and the center of gravity of the flap. A helicopter rotor equipped with flaps is provided in which the influence of the centrifugal force acting on the center of gravity of a blade can be largely reduced, and a flap control mechanism can be reduced in size and weight.