PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Helicopter crash off the coast of Newfoundland - 18 aboard, March 2009
Old 31st Mar 2009, 07:09
  #292 (permalink)  
212man
 
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Den Haag
Age: 57
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If I understand things correctly the test is carried out by running an otherwise perfect MGB on the test-bed with a fully functioning lubrication system and then stopping everything whilst the oil is drained. The test is then re-started with representative loads equal to something close to normal flight.
That's not quite right - this is how 29-2C describes the process:

(1) Section 29.927(c) prescribes a test which is intended to demonstrate that no hazardous failure or malfunction will occur in the event of a major rotor drive system lubrication failure. The lubrication failure should not impair the ability of the crew to continue safe operation of Category A rotorcraft for at least 30 minutes after perception of the failure by the flight crew. For Category B rotorcraft, safe operation under autorotative conditions should continue for at least 15 minutes. Near the completion of the lubrication failure test, an input torque should be applied for 15 seconds to simulate a minimum power landing following autorotation. Some damage to rotor drive system components is acceptable after completion of the lubrication system testing. The lubrication system failure modes of interest are usually limited to failure of bearings, gears, splines, clutches, etc., of pressure lubricated transmissions and/or gearboxes. A bench test (transmission test rig) is commonly used to demonstrate compliance with this
rule. Since this is a test of the capability of the residual oil in the ransmission to provide limited lubrication, a critical entry condition for the test should be established. The transmission lubricating oil should be drained while the transmission is operating at maximum normal speed and nominal cruise torque (reacted as appropriate at the main mast and tail rotor output quills). A vertical load should be applied at the mast, equal to the gross weight of the rotorcraft at 1g, and the lubricant should be at the maximum temperature limit. Upon illumination of the low oil pressure warning required by § 29.1305, reduce the input torque for Category A rotorcraft to the minimum torque necessary to sustain flight at the maximum gross weight and the most efficient flight conditions. To complete the test, apply an input torque to the transmission for approximately 25 seconds to simulate an autorotation. The last 10 seconds (of the 25 seconds) should be at the torque required for a minimum power landing. A successful demonstration may involve limited damage to the transmission, provided it is determined that the autorotative capabilities of the rotorcraft were not significantly impaired. For Category B rotorcraft, upon illumination of the low oil pressure warning light, reduce the input torque to simulate an autorotation and continue transmission operation for 15 minutes. To complete the test, apply an input torque to the transmission for approximately 15 seconds to simulate a minimum power anding. A successful demonstration may involve limited damage to the transmission provided it is determined that the autorotative capabilities of the rotorcraft were not significantly impaired. If compliance with Category A requirements is demonstrated, Category B requirements will have been met.
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