Dunlop erosion protection for airframe seals

Dunlop erosion protection for airframe seals

Keywords Dunlop,Rubber, Seals

Dunlop Precision Rubber has developed a polyurethane protective system to prevent erosion of airframe seals during flight.

The problem of erosion,which only occurs on some aircraft and in certain seal positions, has only recently been noticed and is not well understood. One possible explanation is that it is caused by volcanic ash in the atmosphere as modern aircraft fly higher, faster and longer than ever before.

Aircraft manufacturers asked a number of seal suppliers to investigate the problem and Dunlop Precision is believed to be the first to have achieved a viable solution. This is a development of the company's long-standing experience in applying polyurethane sheet and paint to the leading edge of helicopter rotors, fixed wing military aircraft wing de-icing pads.

Dunlop Precision reports that it has now successfully bonded a polyurethane compound to a standard fabric-reinforced silicone rubber seal. Flight trials continue, but early reports suggest that the sacrificial layer of polyurethane is functioning effectively to protect the seal and is not suffering excessively from abrasion.

In the laboratory, tests are thought to indicate that the new composite construction not only protects the silicone rubber seal, but also greatly enhances the life of the polyurethane. Forming and bonding the polyurethane presents considerable difficulties, but Dunlop Precision is already developing the capability to apply the technique to the most complicated seals.

Further details are available from Dunlop Precision Rubber. Tel: +44 ( 0 ) 1509 502151; Fax: +44(0)1509 505435.