Innovative Ultra Violet and Ozone Resistant Material for Hydraulic Clamp Cushions
Navy SBIR 2018.1 - Topic N181-021 NAVAIR - Ms. Donna Attick - donna.moore@navy.mil Opens: January 8, 2018 - Closes: February 7, 2018 (8:00 PM ET)
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S):
Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 265
F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet OBJECTIVE: Develop an
alternative material for hydraulic clamp cushions that is resistant to both
ultra violet (UV) and ozone exposure and compatible with the relevant hydraulic
fluids of the Navy. DESCRIPTION: The Navy uses
cushioned clamps to fasten, support, and protect hydraulic tubes from loading
and vibration. These clamps are comprised of a metallic band that utilizes a
soft cushion material to reduce the loading and vibrational effects. There are
several versions of these clamps, one of which is composed of an elastomeric,
nitrile rubber. The nitrile clamp cushions sporadically crack shortly after
installation on aircraft due to a combination of UV and ozone exposure. Any
cracking on the clamp’s cushion that is visible by the un-aided eye as well as
any major discoloration dictates a clamp failure, which results in replacement
of the failed clamp. Because cushioned clamps can be used on hydraulic, fuel,
and electrical applications, the cushion material can be exposed to fuel and
petroleum-based hydraulic system fluids. At the part level, the replacement
activity for these cushioned clamps equates to $640 per clamp for the CH-53K.
Multiplying the cost to replace a clamp by the total number of clamps out in
the fleet provides insight into how expensive the direct cost of replacing
these clamps truly is. The indirect cost associated with a clamp failure is
more important. Once a clamp fails, the hydraulic or fuel tube is no longer
adequately supported, which could result in two immediate problems: the
hydraulic tube might break or the hydraulic tube might chaff against another
tube or structure. Either scenario creates a detrimental effect for the
aircraft, further increasing cost and decreasing fleet readiness. The clamp
cushion must meet the performance requirements as specified in MIL-DTL-85052/1C
and MIL-DTL-85052B. PHASE I: Develop concepts for
alternative materials for hydraulic clamp cushions that are resistant to both
UV and ozone exposure and compatible with the respective hydraulic fluids used
by the Navy. Demonstrate the feasibility of the developed cushion material
concept to meet the Navy’s unique environmental requirements for hydraulic,
fuel, and electrical clamp applications. The Phase I effort will include the
development of prototype plans for the clamp cushion material for Phase II. PHASE II: Fully develop the
prototype clamp cushion material to meet the Navy’s requirements and perform
all required validation and certification testing in accordance with
MIL-C-85052A. PHASE III DUAL USE
APPLICATIONS: Transition the clamp cushion material to the Navy and other
branches of the military for aviation and other applications. Development of
this new material could benefit the private sector by enhancing clamps used in
hydraulic systems such as in commercial aircraft. Successful technology
development would also allow the material to be used for other applications in
a vibrational environment where tubing needs to be fastened. REFERENCES: 1. MIL-DTL-85052B. Clamp,
Loop, Cushion, General Specification For. http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-DTL/MIL-DTL-85052B_5309/ 2. MIL-DTL-85052/1C. Clamp,
Loop, Tube- I7-7 PH Cres, 275F, Fuel And Petroleum Based Hydraulic Fluid
Resistant. http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-DTL/MIL-DTL-85052-1C_14037/ 3. MIL-PRF-83282D. Hydraulic
Fluid, Fire Resistant, Synthetic Hydrocarbon Base, Metric, NATO Code Number
H-537. http://everyspec.com/MIL-PRF/MIL-PRF-080000-99999/MIL-PRF-83282D_7238/ 4. SAE AS5440A. Hydraulic
Systems, Military Aircraft, Design and Installation, Requirements for. http://standards.sae.org/as5440a/ KEYWORDS: Nitrile; Clamps;
UV; Ozone; Resistant; Hydraulic
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