Develop Dust Tolerance Improvements and New Technology for Military Air Cleaner Blower Motor

Air cleaner scavenging blower motors (ACSBM)are required to operate in heavy dust concentrations. The new self-cleaning air cleaners (SCAC) expose the ACSBM to even longer periods of opration in these severe environments. Improving the ACSBM's tolerance todust erosion will enable the SCAC to operate for longer periods of time without clogging.The objective of this Phase 1 study is to investigate how dirt and dust effect wear and performance on specified ACSBMs. Familiarization with the air filtration system and ACSBM specifications are required.This project will determine what experiments and evaluations are required to determine the wear characterists of the ACSBM. The project will also determine what tests are required to compare the wear characteristics of different types of dust.New design approachs will be considered. Among these are new materials and coatings, geometry changes, and changes to the aerodynamic blade shapes. Improving the dust tolerance of these machines will increase the time before the SCAC clogs and reducesengine power. the loss of engine power may result in the vehicle failing to perform its assigned mission.Commerical applications would apply to devices that use fans to remove dust or particles where ejectors cannot satisify the requirements.