Gearbox Load and Life Simulation Software Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-017 Topic Title: Gearbox Load and Life Simulation Software Proposal No.: N091-017-0201 Firm: VEXTEC Corporation 750 Old Hickory Blvd, Building 2, Suite Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 Contact: Rich Holmes Phone: (615) 372-0299 Web Site: www.vextec.com Abstract: The overall objective of the proposed effort is to build a methodology and the associated computational tools that predict component life for rotor wing drive systems. This will be achieved by adding mission load variability to VEXTEC's existing gear component life prediction tool. The goal is a framework that accounts for mission variability and gear fatigue damage and produces a comprehensive assessment of drive system performance in an operational environment. This framework will incorporate the use of both high and low fidelity models to predict component performance, and will be based on existing VEXTEC durability prediction software used for Army land vehicles. This software accounts for each component in a complex system to produce an overall drive system life prediction. The tool will be developed in Phase I for a simplified H60 helicopter gearbox system. The tool will be used to predict the system's performance based on component material and loading, system design, and mission load variability. The successful prediction of system performance will be used to demonstrate conceptual feasibility of implementing the component life prediction tool. Benefits: After successful completion of a Phase II SBIR, VEXTEC intends to commercialize the proposed technology as a service to all drive system and gear manufacturers. VEXTEC's predictive capabilities and computational tools will enable extended time on wing and significantly reduce maintenance and sustainment costs for rotor wing aircraft. Return