NACELLES & SPINNERS

Core materials in nacelles and spinners

Core is one of the primary materials used to nacelles and spinners, built using sandwich composite technology (the others being single skin metal or composite).

Whilst there are some structural nacelle designs demanding structural properties and using some of the grades used to build blades, the majority of designs are non-structural. In this case, the designer, OEM and nacelle builder is building a housing to cover the generator and from the weather and looks for the lowest-cost solution. Typically low density PVC (H45, H60) and PET (PN65, PY80) are used.

As a building block, Diab offers the designer PET and PVC grades in various densities. As with blades, as well as providing design properties, the core is also used as a processing aid during the nacelle infusion process, which is the primary technology used today. In this function, the core is perforated, cut, grooved and kitted to provide to enable it not only to conform to the nacelle panel moulds, but to allow the transfer of air and resin during the manufacturing process. This is a value-added function of core which can effectively reduce the total cost of nacelle manufactured by, for example speeding up the resin infusion process and/or reducing the amount of resin used. Furthermore, it can also add benefits to the designer.

Diab offers a comprehensive range of finishing, kitting and technical service products to help customers achieve this.