High-Temperature Lubricant

The Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) version of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) employs a unique propulsion system utilizing a three bearing swivel duct (3BSD) to direct the thrust of the engine exhaust. The 3BSD operates at high temperatures andincorporates large moving parts. The life cycle of the 3BSD depends directly upon the reliability of the lubricant used in the mechanical components. This lubricant will greatly affect how well the 3BSD will be able to perform during operation. The 3BSDrequires a lubricant that can endure extreme temperatures and remain chemically stable with no performance degradation for the life of the three-bearing swivel duct, approximately 4,000 hours. The lubricant must also allow easy movement of the 3BSDthroughout its full temperature operating range of roughly -40¿F to +625¿F. Current lubricants being considered for use in the 3BSD mechanical components can not maintain viscosity throughout the entire range of operation. Under the proposed SBIRprogram, METSS will develop an advanced lubricant capable of maintaining its properties throughout the wide range of operating temperatures through which the 3BSD is required to operate, thus lengthening the life of the 3BSD and its mechanical componentssignificantly. To meet the performance requirements, METSS will focus on combining thermo-oxidatively stable lubricant basestocks, high temperature thickeners, solid lubricants and other necessary additives to develop a suitable formulation. Thisproposal clearly defines the tiered testing approach needed to identify the best candidates for subsequent testing and optimization in a subsequent Phase II effort.