Improved Bearing Material for Aircraft Carrier Arresting Gear Components Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Topic No.: N122-107 Topic Title: Improved Bearing Material for Aircraft Carrier Arresting Gear Components Proposal No.: N122-107-0650 Firm: Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, Texas 78733-6201 Contact: Brad Rix Phone: (512) 263-2101 Web Site: www.tri-austin.com Abstract: Current phenolic-based composites used for the slippers of the MK 7 arresting gear system have insufficient wear resistance to ensure an extended service life, and are subject to swelling when exposed to shipboard fluids. The resulting unscheduled maintenance repairs are costly, and the Navy seeks new technologies that will replace the current slipper composite material and have higher durability. Texas Research Institute Austin Inc. (TRI/Austin) proposes a novel composite material that will provide enhanced wear resistance, excellent mechanical and environmental properties, and will serve as a drop-in replacement for the current material while remaining in service for a minimum of 20,000 landings. Preliminary abrasion resistance tests show a Taber wear index of only 37 after 25,000 revolutions, and similar materials developed by TRI/Austin have been virtually unaffected by exposure to hydraulic fluid and other shipboard challenges. During Phase I, compressive, tensile, impact, fluid and environmental resistance, temperature tolerance, and tribological testing will demonstrate the resilience, wear resistance, and high lubricity of the composite material. Formulation and materials optimization will be conducted and samples will be delivered to the Navy. Prototype arresting gear components will be developed and tested in Phase II, setting the stage for rapid Phase III transition. Benefits: The advanced composite material will result in reduced maintenance costs for arresting gear systems. The novel technology will have a significantly reduced wear rate and be resistant to shipboard fluids. Aside from carrier-based operations, additional applications for this technology include land-based arresting systems. Commercial applications include a multitude of tracked systems, including overhead warehouse tracks and floor tracks. Return