Overview
Project Number: A2908
Project Title: Lift Fan Stage 2 Fan Case – Abradable Coating Improvement
Period of Performance: MAY21 – APR23
Objective
The objective of this Composites Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC) project was to deliver improvements to the manufacturing process that reduce the size and distribution of voids remaining in cured attrition liner material and eliminate rework to fill voids exposed after machining the abradable material. Target improvement opportunities included the automated mixing program, the attrition material pot-life and cure characteristics, attrition material application methods, and alternate attrition liner fabrication / installation methods using the same material system. These areas were investigated to improve quality, cost, and delivery.
Payoff
The team was unable to achieve the originally defined project goals described above. However, there were still significant process improvements that were implemented that will improve producibility of the fan case in the future. These improvements include improved safety due to decreased material handling temperature; repeatable application process; and validation of new tooling for material application.
Implementation
Partial project implementation occurred in 3Q FY2023 on the F-35B and implementation funding was provided by general Rolls-Royce Purchasing maintenance funds.
*Prepared under ONR Contract N00014-21-D-7001 as part of the Navy ManTech Program.
*DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. DCN# 2024-11-6-309; Approval Date: 11/14/2024
