Innovative Concepts for Ultra-light and Reliable Hydraulic Actuators
Navy SBIR FY2008.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2
Topic No.: N08-119
Topic Title: Innovative Concepts for Ultra-light and Reliable Hydraulic Actuators
Proposal No.: N082-119-0456
Firm: Demeton Technologies, Inc.
48 Nancy Street
West Babylon, New York 11704-1404
Contact: Alex Chi
Phone: (631) 491-1592
Web Site: www.demeton.com
Abstract: It is proposed to initiate a research program to design and manufacture a composite housing gear system for the next generation of NAVY F/A-18 and F-35 aircrafts. The present systems use steel housing which lack the low weight requirements for the design of the Wing Fold Transmission systems. The proposed effort relies on replacing the current steel made Ring Gear Housing System with the Carbon Reinforced Composite Materials. The application of composite materials in aerospace and automobile as structural materials is expanding primarily because its properties match high strength steel alloys with large savings in weight. Although there are many advantages in the use of these composites, there are many issues in the fatigue life, corrosion and other mechanical properties that need to be considered in the use of these composites in corrosive environments. One solution to address the corrosion and environmental issues is the use of proper coating systems for the final composite product. We propose to develop the composite and coating system and test them for their life, corrosion and other mechanical properties. The result of this work would provide a complete system that can meet all the design requirements by the NAVY.
Benefits: The application of composite materials as structural materials in aerospace, automobile is expanding primarily because the properties match high strength steel alloys with large saving in weight. Although there are many advantages in the use of these composites, there are many issues in the fatigue life, corrosion and other mechanical properties that need to be considered in the use of these composites in corrosive environments. Navy spends approximately $1 billion a year during maintenance to address corrosion problems (including fatigue failures related to corrosion problems). Specific systems and components that present such problems include blade-fold, wing-fold actuation systems for carrier-based aircraft, hydraulic actuators, rotary gear assemblies, aluminum fuselage and wing components, and magnesium transmission gear housings. The carbon reinforced composite materials with the protective coating developed by Demeton can replace the current Ring Gear Housing System, and it will significantly reduce the system weight and solve the corrosion problems. In addition, the detonation spraying coating will protect the composites against the oxidation and the wear to promise the extended life. The success of this SBIR program would eliminate the use of heavy steel ring gear housing. The weight saving will significantly compensate for the investment for this SBIR program (Phases I and II). The return on investment of this SBIR is approximately 38.6 Million. Commercial aircraft and automotive industry can benefit from the low cost, durable, lightweight high performance composite materials.

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