Light-weight Vehicle Exhaust System for Amphibious Vehicles Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Topic No.: N151-002 Topic Title: Light-weight Vehicle Exhaust System for Amphibious Vehicles Proposal No.: N151-002-0785 Firm: METSS Corporation 300 Westdale Avenue Westerville, Ohio 43082-8962 Contact: Kenneth Heater Phone: (614) 797-2200 Web Site: www.metss.com Abstract: A major challenge facing designers of exhaust and thermal management systems is to increase exhaust transport, heat transfer and dissipation capability, while reducing weight penalties and improving component lifecycle. Currently, the demand for increased exhaust and heat removal in military vehicles is surpassing the performance limits of conventional exhaust and thermal management systems. The main reason is updated military vehicles include additional armor protection, sensors, firepower, and other advanced capabilities that have added weight and higher performance requirements on the system components. The USMC experienced exhaust system challenges on the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV). The aluminum and composite design developed to meet the exhaust requirements of the 2800 hp diesel enginepeformed poorly and came at a substantial weight and cost penalty. As the USMC begins to look at future amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) designs, it is seeking to develop a light-weight, lower-cost vehicle exhaust system that can withstand the repeated heating/cooling cycles under exposure to the aggressive saltwater environment, while minimizing the transfer of heat from engine exhaust to the external surface of the vehicle for improved personnel safety and reduced thermal signature. METSS proposes to achieve these objectives using an exhaust system concept based on a composite wall construction, where each material used in the composite design is selected to perform a specific function. METSS believes this approach offers the most flexibility with respect to the overall design of the exhaust system, providing multiple ways to address the demanding thermal, structural, and environmental performance requirements. Benefits: Military and commercial aircraft, ground vehicles, amphibious and naval vessels advancing in development put strains on the existing power pack units and their exhaust systems. In addition, engine efficiencies leading to fuel efficiencies can be improved utilizing engine and exhaust systems with improved heat transfer performance. Engine components designed for increased horsepower and fuel efficiency operate at higher temperatures and require units that can transfer larger amounts of heat to the surrounding environment. Improved heat exhaust and exchange units would allow for smaller, lighter engines, pumps, and other components resulting in more fuel-efficient vehicles. Burning less fuel would result in lower costs, fewer emissions and a cleaner environment. Return