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Surface Wave Acoustic Microscopy for Rapid NDE of Silicon Nitride Balls

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-10-C-2110
Agency Tracking Number: F083-109-0832
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF083-109
Solicitation Number: 2008.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-08-30
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-12-01
Small Business Information
15400 Calhoun Drive Suite 400
Rockville, MD -
United States
DUNS: 161911532
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dan Xiang
 PM for Sensor Technology
 (301) 294-4760
 dxiang@i-a-i.com
Business Contact
 Mark James
Title: Director, Contract and Pr
Phone: (301) 294-5221
Email: mjames@i-a-i.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Ceramic hybrid bearings have many excellent performance characteristics such as heat resistance, extended life, light weight, lower thermal expansion, electrical non-conductance, and thus become the top choice of rolling bearings for the F135 and F136 engines for the new generation Joint Striker Fighter F-35. The main concern in using ceramic materials for bearing applications is their reliability, because small defects in the ceramic (silicon nitride) ball can cause catastrophic failure of the bearing and are particularly prejudicial when they are located close to the surface. The existing techniques, however, can not simultaneously satisfy the requirements regarding the inspection cost, speed, resolution, and defect location (surface and subsurface). In this proposal, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) is developing an innovative Surface Wave Acoustic Microscopy (SWAM) inspection system for rapid inspection of small defects on the surface or subsurface of silicon nitride balls. BENEFIT: The SWAM prototype that can provide rapid inspection of small defects in a ceramic ball could be the first standalone product. Hybrid bearings using silicon nitride balls as the rolling elements have been identified as the top choice for the next generation of high performance engines. The proposed technology has potential to meet the needs for 100% inspection of bearing balls in a rapid and cost effective manner. Therefore, the commercialization potential of this technique is huge.

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

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