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Large Diameter, Light Weight Bearing Liners
Navy SBIR 2010.2 - Topic N102-111 NAVAIR - Mrs. Janet McGovern - [email protected] Opens: May 19, 2010 - Closes: June 23, 2010 N102-112 TITLE: Large Diameter, Light Weight Bearing Liners TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 261 H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected. OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative and low cost materials/processes for fabricating large-diameter, light weight, mass producible bearing liners. DESCRIPTION: The drive system of the CH-53K consists of 5 gearboxes; the largest of those is the main gearbox (MGB) which transmits the power from the engines to the main and tail rotors. Within the main gearbox, there are three different part numbered bearing liners that are 9 to 20 inches in diameter. Bearing liners are sacrificial sleeves that are pinned into aluminum or magnesium gearbox housings. Bearings are then interference fit into the bearing liners. The bearing liners are currently 4320 alloy steel and they account for an accumulated weight of approximately 13 pounds. The goal is to reduce the weight of the bearing liners. The material should have properties equal to or better than 4320 steel, including fretting resistance, lighter weight, and no galvanic interaction with environment or mating materials. Manufacturing costs should be comparable or less than current costs, while still providing consistent quality parts in production quantities. The current large bearings liners are heat treated to 125,000 psi ultimate tensile strength with a Rockwell C Hardness of 23-33. PHASE I: Determine feasibility of proposed bearing liner material maintaining or exceeding current requirements while reducing weight. PHASE II: Construct and demonstrate prototype bearing liner with new material. PHASE III: Manufacture final version of bearing liners and conduct flight testing. It is anticipated that the small company would need to partner with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Bearing liners are used throughout the industry, not only on aircraft but various other industrial gearboxes and equipment. REFERENCES: 2. AISI 4320 - Steel. http://www.matweb.com/search/search.aspx KEYWORDS: Bearing Liner; Material; Lightweight; Gearbox; Transmission; Manufacturing
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