Composite Bearing Cage for Advanced Turbine Engine Applications

The next-generation gas turbine engines will operate at higher speeds; higher pressure-ratio and higher cycle temperature to achieve increased power and efficiency. Advanced bearings capable of operating above 3.0 MDN are required.Carbon-Carbon (C-C) bearing cages were developed jointly by AFRL/PRTM and Mr. Wei Shih of Allcomp to address requirements of an advanced supersonic missile engine. The invention was covered by US Patent 5,752,773 and was exclusively licensed to Allcomp Incby the Air Force.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. Furthermore, 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 develop a family of C-C composites for advanced cage applications. We plan to focus our effort on reducing cost and lead-time, improving product quality, and developing design methodology. We plan to fabricate production-readyC-C cages for a wide range of advanced gas turbine applications. Prototype C-C cages will be designed, fabricated and then provided to participating engine companies in exchange for bearing performance evaluation.