SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal is for development of novel concepts and technology for design and processing of enhanced performance titanium matrix composite (TMC) helicopter masts. Such masts will be capable of drop-in replacement, be highly resistant to corrosion and stress corrosion cracking, have high fatigue capability, be lighter weight, have capability for higher operational requirements, and be affordable. In one concept, the mast consists of a titanium planetary end and a TMC body that extends into a titanium region joining with the rotor/blade housing. In another, the mast consists of a titanium planetary end, a TMC body, a short monolithic titanium zone, a bimetal joint section and a nickel-alloy or steel spline end. Others expand on these. The proposed effort builds on TMC aircraft-engine shaft development/demonstrations and extends this for payoff on helicopter masts. The use of corrosion resistant high strength, high stiffness, TMC architectures and possibly advanced bimetal joining offers the potential for enhanced performance masts. The proposed program will accomplish system designs, trade studies, subelement fabrication/technical experiments and establish feasibility of potential mast designs. Phase II will build and test helicopter mast prototypes to verify manufacturing feasibility and perform static testing to demonstrate functional properties.

Benefit:
The effort will establish feasibility for demonstrating an improved corrosion resistant higher strength, lighter weight, high stiffness, high-torque capable TMC mast. Development of this technology will permit implementation of TMC masts into current or in-development helicopter applications. The type TMC mast proposed could permit drop-in substitution of a corrosion resistant same weight mast (and its dynamic implications) into a higher torque, higher stiffness and higher temperature requirement application as well as eliminate the need for special corrosion inhibiting coatings. The commercial potential for corrosion resistant lightweight, high stiffness TMC masts and shafts will transcend to all aspects of the power transmission industry including marine, aviation and automotive.

Keywords:
High Strength TMC Masts, High Strength TMC Masts, manufacturing, Corrosion Resistance, Helicopter Masts, Affordable TMC Masts, Titanium/Nickel or Steel Joining