Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) features a specific gravity approximately one quarter of that of steel material, as well as superior corrosion resistance, and is therefore promising in terms of applications in high speed rotary equipment and other machinery. Although the rotor blades of large axial flow fans utilized in thermal power plants have conventionally been made of metal, the use of FRP would enable lighter weight and greater resistance to corrosion. In turn, this could allow reduction in size and longer life for moving and sliding parts, as well as lower maintenance costs. This paper presents the results of material and pilot plant tests of FRP rotor blades developed for use in axial flow fans.
