Composite Bearing Cage for Advanced Turbine Engine Applications

"The next-generation of military and commercial turbine engines will operate at higher speeds; higher pressure-ratio and higher cycle temperature to achieve increased power and engine efficiency. As a result, advanced bearings capable of operating above 3.0MDN under severe loading are required.Carbon-Carbon (C-C) bearing cages were developed jointly by AFRL/PRTM and Mr. Wei Shih of Allcomp (formerly with Goodrich) to address requirements of an advanced supersonic missile engine. The invention was covered by US Patent 5,752,773 and was licensedto Allcomp Inc by the Air Force in September 2001.A lightweight, high-temperature, low-expansion C-C cage holds the key to reducing the heat generation and in improving bearing reliability in high-speed systems, including advanced turbine engines. In addition, a self-lubricating C-C cage providessignificant weight and cost reduction to small gas turbine engines by providing critical bearing technology that allows designers to eliminate the conventional liquid lubricant system.In this effort, we propose to conduct a technology development program under SBIR funding in parallel with on-going prototype C-C cage testing programs being funded under various Engine Development, CRADA, and IRAD efforts. The proposed program will focuson design and fabrication related issues that are needed to support successful and enduring insertion of C-C cage into wide range military applications. Specifically, we pla