SUPERIOR FIBER INSERTS FOR NUTS

The objective of this Phase I investigation is to develop candidate designs for a prototype prevailing torque nut with a locking mechanism that can be reliable re-used. The current prevailing torque nuts used in military aircraft are a nuisance in the respect that they will provide adequate locking for only one installation. This "single-use" criterion requires the maintenance of adequate stocks of spare lock nuts. Elimination of the single-use limitation of the nuts utilizing fiber inserts would reduce fastener inventory requirements as well as eliminate the risk of mission readiness. Successful completion of this Phase I effort will provide a design prototype nut with a recoverable locking capability for flight test and concept validation dkuring Phase II investigations.