Advanced Lubrication Systems Evaluation

Advanced High Temperature Lubrication System for Aerospace Applications

UES Evaluates State-of-the-art Lubricants

The DOD/NASA Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) has a goal of doubling the thrust-to-weight ratio in advanced gas turbine demonstrator engines by the year 2005. This goal can be achieved through a combination effort in developing new high temperature low density materials, innovative structural design, improved thermodynamics and advances in LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY.

UES has a “Lubrication System Performance Evaluation” program with the U.S. Air Force for the development of high temperature lubricants with compatible mechanical hardware capable of operating in the temperature range of 600oF-1800oF. The goal of the program is to establish a technical database which includes the physical and mechanical properties of high temperature liquid lubricants, dry lubricants, advanced bearing alloys, ceramics and wear resistant coatings. This work is carried out by UES employees at the U.S. Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory in a state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind test facility, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The general approach for the development of a high temperature lubrication system is shown in the flow chart. Apart from conventional lubrication methods such as liquid and solid coatings, innovative schemes such as vapor phase lubrication and powder lubrication are being studied. The test rigs have been modified to evaluate liquid lubricants up to 700oF and solid and vapor phase lubricants up to 1500oF.

The program has already created an extensive database for high temperature liquid, solid (both coating and powder) and vapor phase lubricants to support design and analysis of advanced gas turbine lubrication system hardware. The program also supports the Navy and other defense contractors such as Teledyne (CAE) and Williams International.

UPS PROJECT TEAM:
Hitesh Trivedi:    Research Scientist Program Manager
Dave Geradi:      Design Engineer
Doug Eisentraut:  Research Technician

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