Lightweight Durable Titanium Tank Tracks Using Low Cost Powder Metal Titanium Composite Technology

In this Phase 1 SBIR program, a lightweight titanium track will be designed for combat vehicles such as the Crusader. Dynamet Technology with expertise in titanium materials and manufacturing technology will team with the Keweenaw Research Center atMichigan's Technological University which has expertise in tank track design, analysis and testing. New particulate reinforced titanium metal matrix composites, which offer enhanced wear-resistance and modulus, will be evaluated and included in trackdesigns. ProEngineer models and weight calculations for an improved shoe body and components will be developed. Advanced powder metal manufacturing technology will be employed to reduce the cost for titanium components and permit unique component designsfor improved life cycle costs. Thermal management of the system to increase the life of the elastomeric track components will also be addressed. Test samples will be manufactured from candidate titanium alloy and titanium MMC materials for ASTM G-65 weartesting as a screening test. A down-selection will be made and wear guide test specimens will be manufactured by advanced powder metal technology on the selected material for testing on a KRCs center guide wear machine simulating tank track wearconditions. The preliminary track concept will be finalized and detailed component weight calculations provided.A lightweight tank track that incorporates titanium alloys and titanium MMCs and near-net shape powder metal manufacturing technology willprovide benefits in tank maneuverability, facilitation of deployment, and reduction of operation and support (O&S) costs. This track design is expected to find commercial application in armored vehicles including the Crusader. It is also anticipated thatthe proposed wear-resistant titanium materials could find near-term application as key replacement components (e.g. center guides) in other armored vehicles (using the proven T-158 track). This technology for low-cost lightweight, wear resistant titaniumis anticipated to find applications in both military and commercial vehicles and as structural components. Specific benefits include:¿A titanium tank track design demonstrating the feasibility of achieving a significant reduction (target of 20%) in weightversus the conventional steel track.¿Demonstrated feasibility for particle reinforced titanium matrix composites to meet wear requirements for grouser, center guide, etc.¿Demonstrated capability to produce titanium alloys and particle reinforced titaniumMMCs by advanced powder metal manufacturing technology (i.e. life cycle cost savings; minimizing the cost impact of use of titanium.