Advanced Cermet for High Acceleration and Deceleration Roller Bearing Applications

As aircraft technology continues to evolve, there becomes a need for advanced takeoff systems for aircraft carriers. Increases in aircraft weight and takeoff speed require takeoff systems with reliable components to withstand the increase in force put on the system by the advanced aircraft. In this project, Powdermet will target the improvement of wheel bearings for both steam catapult shuttles and Electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) armatures. Powdermet will develop an advanced cermet to be used as a low-friction, low-wear material suitable for use in greaseless roller and ball bearing systems to improve bearing lifetime while reducing maintenance. Current systems require regreasing as frequently as every 25 launches; eliminating regreasing will result in significant reductions in maintenance downtime and cost. The cermet material will be produced by coating a ceramic core in a metallic binder and consolidating the material using powder metallurgy techniques. The consolidated parts will be tested in a variety of friction and wear tests targeted to simulate high acceleration and deceleration and compared to greased metal bearing components to show similar or better performance over multiple cycles.