Innovative Materials/Concepts for Grease Lubricated Bearings Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-089 Topic Title: Innovative Materials/Concepts for Grease Lubricated Bearings Proposal No.: N052-089-0080 Firm: Sentient Corporation 850 Energy Drive Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 Contact: Sean Marble Phone: (208) 524-4865 Abstract: Grease lubricated bearings are widely used in aircraft for driveshaft support, fans, and accessories. These components are a maintenance intensive item requiring regular replenishment or replacement. In addition, occasional failures occur and have resulted in loss of aircraft. Sentient Corporation, in collaboration with SKF/MRC bearings and Sikorsky Aircraft, will study and address the dominant failure causes in aircraft grease lubricated bearings. Leveraging sophisticated in-house test capabilities and extensive prior research into bearing failure modes, Sentient will evaluate existing state-of-the-art bearing technologies and innovative new approaches to identify the most promising avenues for substantially extending life without relubrication. Technologies will be evaluated as a package including design modifications, bearing materials, and lubricants. Sentient will collaborate with MRC and Sikorsky throughout the project to ensure that these technologies are practical and affordable to implement, and to commercialize the improved bearing designs. Phase I will include test and evaluation of prototype bearings equipped with the proposed modifications. Benefits: The resulting extended life greased bearings will substantially reduce maintenance costs while increasing safety margins in nearly all aircraft platforms. These bearings would be extremely useful in many industrial, shipboard, and vehicle applications as well. Return