RTX Corporation
FAN BLADE HAVING CLOSED METAL SHEATH

Abstract:

A method for forming a blade for use with a gas turbine engine may include forming a suction side sheath and a pressure side sheath, the suction side sheath and the pressure side sheath forming a continuous sheath that wraps around an interior section of the blade, a first cavity and a second cavity established on opposed sides of a rib, forming a structural core configured for positioning in the interior section between the suction side sheath and the pressure side sheath, the structural core including a first core member, a second core member and a root interconnecting the first and second core members, assembling the suction side sheath and the pressure side sheath with the structural core positioned there between such that the first core member is positioned in the first cavity and such that the second core member is positioned in the second cavity, and securing the suction side sheath to the pressure side sheath to form the blade. A blade for use in a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.