SBIR-STTR Award

An advanced turbine engine fan blade containment system using ceramic tiles on a polymer fiber backing ring is pro- posed. The proposed ceramic/polymer-fiber system has proven more weight effective than monolithic metallic or polymer materials for stopping penetration of ballistic munitions projectiles. It is expected that this technology, originally developed for aircraft armor systems, will decrease containment system weights while still providing the same degree of protection as existing systems.

A follow-on program to substantiate the predictions of the Phase I investigation is proposed. A total of 3 separate options are offered to provide flexibility in selecting the program best suited to meeting industry needs. The first and second options both consist of gas gun testing of Kevlar and Boron Carbide/Spectra containment rings. The options are Winch and 24 inch diameter rings which are representative of 20000 and 2500 lb. thrust engines respectively. The objective of the gas gun tests is to compare the weight efficiencies of Kevlar and Boron Carbide/Spectra for fan blade containment. A third option is offered to design and fabricate ceramic-based containment rings of 14 inch diameter for turbine disk burst testing. This option provides a vehicle for taking advantage of , both the penetration prevention and high temperature capabilities of the ceramic materials.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Results:This technology will allow the design of higher thrust-to-weight ratio turbine engines. It can be used either for new designs, or- a retrofit application for existing engines.