SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- Lubrication Evaluation and Performance V
- Notice Date
- 4/30/2003
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL - Wright Research Site, Det 1 AFRL/PK Bldg 167, Area B, 2310 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7801
- ZIP Code
- 45433-7801
- Solicitation Number
- PRDA-PRK-03-03
- Archive Date
- 7/1/2003
- Point of Contact
- Brain Allport, Contract Negotiator, Phone (937) 656-9832, Fax (937) 255-4434, - Sharon Shuler, Contracting Officer, Phone (937) 656-9035 , Fax (937) 255-4434,
- E-Mail Address
-
Brian.Allport@wpafb.af.mil, Sharon.Shuler@wpafb.af.mil
- Description
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate/ Turbine Engine Division (AFRL/PRT) solicits research proposals for Lubrication Evaluation and Performance V. (1) This High Impact Technology (HIT) program will address both applied and fundamental research relating to critical lubricant-bearing material compatibility issues for enhanced performance and durability in support of the Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engine (VAATE) program. The DOD/DOE/NASA VAATE initiative goals include a 50?F increase in lubricant thermal capability and a 30% increase in bearing load and speed capacity, while providing improved life and reduced coking and corrosion tendency. The objectives of this program are to: 1) assess the performance of candidate high temperature (450 to 700?F) turbine engine lubricants, and their effect on new bearing/elastomer/seal materials in order to develop optimal turbine engine lubricant(s) that will effectively support VAATE mechanical systems; 2) develop improved prognostic/diagnostic technologies for managing system health; and 3) conduct fielded mechanical lubricant system support to enhance end-product reliability/maintainability to the war fighter. This will require a thorough understanding of the dynamic lubricant-bearing material interactions in order to positively effect high temperature lubricant formulations as well as innovative bearing materials, composites and coatings required for upcoming VAATE systems. State-of-the-art test methodologies and techniques will be developed or modified where necessary to accommodate the unique properties of advanced high temperature lubricant basestock/additive packages as well as new bearing and elastomer composite materials. Lubricant formulations will be evaluated with respect to tribological characteristics, oxidative and thermal stability, coking tendency, corrosion, and wear prevention. Enhanced engine health management systems will be modified or developed to maximize the operational safety of hybrid ceramic bearings, inter-shaft counter rotating bearing systems, etc in current and future oil-wetted mechanical systems. Fielded lubricant system support will include R&D investigations of lubrication system problems found in operating commands, as well as field evaluations of both high temperature turbine engine lubricants and prognostic/diagnostic systems to support VAATE. (2) The Statement of Objectives for the Delivery Order involves applied and fundamental research relating to critical lubricant-bearing material compatibility. The objective of the delivery order is to assess the performance of candidate high temperature (450 to 700oF) turbine engine lubricants and their effect on new bearing/elastomer/seal materials in order to develop optimal turbine engine lubricant (s) that will effectively support VAATE mechanical systems. The contractor shall also develop improved prognostic/diagnostic technologies for managing system health, provide field support for fielded mechanical systems in order to enhance end-product reliability/maintainability of the war fighter. The contractor shall characterize the performance of optimal lubricant candidates utilizing existing test methods in current turbine engine lubricant performance specifications, or modifying/developing new test methods/techniques when the need exists. Candidate lubricant chemistries will be evaluated as fully formulated basestocks and/or individual additive components to fully assess their performance in bench scale laboratory tests. These laboratory tests will include corrosion/oxidative stability, coking propensity, foaming, elastomer compatibility, pumpability and tribological characteristics. The contractor shall develop a thorough understanding of the dynamic lubricant-bearing material interactions in order to positively effect high temperature lubricant formulations and innovative bearing steels/composites. This will minimize compatibility issues for upcoming VAATE systems. Tribological characteristics, oxidative and thermal stability, coking tendency, and corrosion and wear prevention will be evaluated to determine the effect of candidate lubricants and their individual components on state-of-the-art bearing materials and coatings. The contractor shall evaluate enhanced engine health management systems and modify or develop new devices/techniques as required for effectively managing mechanical system health. Health management systems shall include conventional oil-wetted systems, foil bearings and magnetic bearing systems. This will maximize operational safety of hybrid ceramic bearings, inter-shaft counter rotating bearing systems, etc in current and future mechanical systems. The contractor shall conduct field-testing as appropriate of prognostic/diagnostic devices in order to maximize the technology transfer of user friendly, durable and affordable devices that can be easily deployed for field use. The contractor shall conduct R&D investigations of lubrication system problems that arise in the operating commands, as well as field evaluations of optimal turbine engine lubricant candidates, bearing/seal/elastomer materials and prognostic/diagnostic systems. These tests will be used to determine lubricant performance, bearing material performance or material/lubricant interaction. The contractor shall document and assess feasibility of utilizing respective lubricant(s)/bearing/seal/elastomer material(s) to support current and future fielded systems. The contractor shall conduct laboratory and field investigations of novel lubricating systems. Such systems include but are not limited to, vapor phase lubrication, powder lubricants, lubricious coatings, etc. Data will be analyzed and recommendations made as to their suitability for VAATE applications. The contractor shall be responsible for experimental design, required equipment procurement and specialized test apparatus or modifications as needed for these evaluations. The contractor shall document and recommend the optimal lubricant for intended applications. The contractor shall investigate the fundamental science and tribology of surfaces for propulsion systems. The studies will include chemical reactions, kinetics, and reaction products of lubricants, lubricant additives, metals, metal oxides and other engineering material systems of interest in future propulsion engines. The contractor shall be familiar with, and able to interpret results using the following analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy, Auger spectroscopy, x-ray photo electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. Interested offerors may view and/or download the full PRDA/BAA solicitation by accessing the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) homepage at http://www.fbo.gov/. Direct questions to the Contracting point of contact identified in the announcement.
- Record
- SN00315029-W 20030502/030430213517 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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