Oil Free Couplings For High Speed Turboshaft Engines

The objective of this effort is to develop and demonstrate innovative oil-free methods of connecting future turboshaft/turboprop aircraft engines with their driven loads. To achieve these objectives, MiTi proposes a staged approach towards developing a lubricant-free coupling for foil or magnetic bearing supported rotors. During the base phase I program, MiTi will conduct tradeoff and a preliminary design of an advanced, lightweight high speed coupling system to connect future turboshaft/turboprop aircraft engines with their driven loads. These tradeoff studies will define the nominal range of design parameters, such as axial, radial and angular stiffness, coupling to shafting and gearbox stiffness ratios, etc., needed to achieve the program objectives. During the optional portion of the program, the results of the preliminary studies will be used to establish the coupling design to be tested during Phase II. Additionally, MiTir will review available in house test rig designs needed for the Phase II demonstration testing.