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

In this Phase II program the technical capability for titanium tank tracks to provide a lightweight solution meeting the demanding service conditions for medium weight armored vehicles will be proven, building upon the technical feasibility demonstrated inPhase I. In Phase I preliminary wear test results of samples produced using powder metal titanium technology showed the technical feasibility of particle-reinforced titanium composites (MMCs) to meet the demanding wear resistance needed for trackcomponents such as center guides. Detailed weight models of titanium track designs demonstrated the potential of reducing the track weight 25-40% versus steel. In Phase II, this enabling titanium powder metal manufacturing technology will be employed toproduce hardware for center guide wear testing and subsequently optimized design and manufacture center guides for field testing using production vehicle platforms. Center guides have been selected as the critical test component for structural and wearoptimization using finite element analysis, component-specific manufacturing development, and finally vehicle field-testing. The Phase II results will be applicable to all track systems requiring a weight reduction and will target Phase III validation forcommercial implementation in systems such as a lightweight tracked version of the Future Combat System (FCS), AAAV or Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV). In addition to the center guide, this lightweight high wear resistant material has direct application inautomotive powertrain systems and to suspension components, thereby permitting similar weight reduction of wheeled vehicles. A lightweight tank track that incorporates titanium alloys and wear resistant titanium MMCs will provide benefits in tankmaneuverability, facilitation of deployment, and reduction of operation and support (O&S) costs. By demonstrating the capability of the titanium MMCs to meet the demanding wear conditions used in service, track designs incorporating this technology areexpected to find application in track components of medium weight vehicles including the Future Combat System (FCS), AAAV, M109 Howitzer and the Crusader and suspension components of wheeled vehicles. This technology can be applied to numerous othermilitary and commercial components. The combination of lightweight and wear resistance, coupled with strength, stiffness and toughness (at room and elevated temperature) will also offer advantage for wheel vehicles (LAV, FMTV, AND HMMWV) and enginecomponents (e.g. piston pins and connecting rods).