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Improved Mass Balancing of Turbo Machine Rotors

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-12-M-2213
Agency Tracking Number: F112-166-1533
Amount: $149,976.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF112-166
Solicitation Number: 2011.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-12-12
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH -
United States
DUNS: 072021041
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Paul Sorensen, Ph.D.
 Principal Investigator
 (603) 643-3800
 phs@creare.com
Business Contact
 James Barry
Title: President
Phone: (603) 643-3800
Email: contractsmgr@creare.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

ABSTRACT: The efficient, effective balancing of jet engine rotors and subassemblies continues to be a challenge for key aerospace applications. While manufacturing methods for balancing have improved significantly over the last ten years, measurement methods and procedures and fixturing have not advanced at the same pace. Modern jet engines require multiple parts and subassemblies to be balanced to ensure proper engine operation. In order to assure that these specifications are met, parts must be balanced separately and then as integrated assemblies during production and refurbishment. The goal of this project is development of an optical measurement system and procedures that overcome the primary shortcomings of existing methods, specifically (1) the need for more accurate measurement of displacement than is currently state-of-the-art, (2) the use of fixtures that contribute significantly to the time it takes to perform precision balancing, and (3) the inability to correct for inconsistencies in the balancing process. During Phase I, we will demonstrate the feasibility of an optical measurement system that improves displacement measurement accuracy by an order of magnitude over currently available sensors and will develop methods and procedures to help mitigate the issues that extend the time and cost of balancing jet engine rotors and subassemblies. BENEFIT: The technology developed on this project will provide new instrumentation and methodologies for balancing jet engine rotors and subassemblies. Use of technology is expected to reduce part to part variability and dramatically reduce production time and cost for in-the-field and in-the-factory fabrication activities.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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