Wedeven Associates, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF131-163

Wedeven Associates, Inc. — SBIR Phase II award from Department of Defense.

Amount
$986,000
Agency
Department of Defense · Air Force
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase II
Topic
AF131-163
Solicitation
13.1
NAICS
Place of performance
PA
Period
2019-06-27 → 2021-06-27

Description

This proposal describes an analytical approach to model rolling element bearings for gas turbines and similar drive systems. Detailed approaches for modeling bearing material fatigue life, bearing heat generation, and tribology are presented. The resulting analytical bearing code will enable gas turbine engineers and designers to better assess engine lubrication system thermal loads and size bearings for adequate life early in the engine design process. Detailed data and modeling for lubricant traction, film thickness, and bearing life are included. Coupling of bearing life and tribology models to finite element analysis (FEA) software is also covered. The proposal contains a plan to commercialize the bearing analytical code for gas turbine engines.