Short Pulse Laser Texturing of Wear Resistant Surfaces

This program seeks to develop and optimize laser textured wear resistant coatings with adaptive solid film lubricants to protect and extend the life of aircraft engine components. Patterns of micron-sized dimples on surfaces act as reservoirs for smart, nanostructured solid film lubricants that adjust tribological surface properties in response to changing conditions to minimize wear. Optimization of the dimple depth, diameter, and pattern is necessary to obtain best performance from the adaptive lubricant. This program will determine that optimization for a variety of substrate metal and coating combinations of interest to DoD prime contractors. Best results from testing on coupons will be applied to realistic parts in an Option task. Based on Phase I results, projections will be made for processing costs and times in a production environment and estimates will be made of life cycle cost savings for target aircraft engine components. This program is a collaboration between a company with core expertise in laser ablation and surface texturing (MLPC) and a company with expertise in wear resistant coating deposition, solid film lubricants, and wear testing (TXI), with cognizance and input from a Prime Contractor (Rolls-Royce) that will provide an early commercialization transition opportunity for successful program outcomes.