Head dampers confused

[beerdeor]

Evening chaps i keep reading about head dampers i know what they look like
But
what do they do and where do they go i have an idea but would rather ask the profesionals than make a wally of myself
Cheers all Jim

[Sesame]

they go in the head around the feathering spindle. which gives the spindle the ability to move slightly. not entirely sure of the technical reasons behind this but the 3D style dampners will be harder than standard types.

[beerdeor]

Cheers Tony thats kinda where i thought they went so do 3d ers use hard dampers to minamise the risk of boom strike ??
cheers Jim

[Sesame]

I think its to give a more positive feel at higher headspeeds, you certainly need to keep the headspeed up with hard dampners as if you dont you get a wobble happening

[Andy from Sandy]

On a full size helicopter the blades are connected by flapping hinges. The amount of lift generated by the blade when it is advances is greater than when it is retreating. The hinges allow the blades to move up and down as the lift changes.

Our models don't have a flapping hinge they have a solid feathering spindle and dampers.

The "flapping is not so pronounced as the headspeeds are very high in comparison.

The effect of hard dampers can be seen on a model doing an auto rotation landing. As the blades slow the model starts to nod up and down.

[beerdeor]

Clear as mud now lol
the reason i ask is ive inherrited a belt cp and there is loads of slop in the feathering shaft would fitting harder dampers help this ??
Cheers all jim

[Andy from Sandy]

Depending on flying style and headspeed you may just need to fit new dampers as opposed to harder dampers.
The slop might just be the dampers are completely knackered. I don't know the model so can't help.