To: NickLappos
Nick if you go back to my original postings on this subject I alluded to an energy exchange when the blade is impacted by an airborne particle. If what you say about the piezoelectric effect causing a spark maybe that is true. However the fact that a spark has been generated the electrical energy is transferred to the blade and if the charge can't be dissipated through a discharge via the fuselage then it will be dissipated from the blade tips forming the corona around the disc.
Not Static Electricity, Lu. Not. They are sparks from rocks being hit.
If it is not static electricity then please explain the following. The rotorheads on the Bell 214 and the AH-1J are mounted on elastomeric bearings. There are no static dissipation ground lines on the rotorhead so whatever charge on the rotorhead stays on the rotorhead. This
static electricity forms a torroidal field around the rotor and is centered on the mast causing it to magnetize. The level of magnetism is many times that allowed after degauss following Magnaflux ™
The magnetic properties effect the gears and bearings in the gearbox as well as effecting the VOR equipment on the helicopter as well as effecting the standby compasses. Would this be happening if the sparks were only a piezoelectric effect caused by miniature rocks and dust impacting the leading edge of a rotorblade?
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