2009QRF0022_Vehicle Power and Energy Coating Technology Demonstration – Phase II
Abstract
The DoD is seeking unique power and energy technologies that can increase fuel efficiencies of their vehicles. It is well known that reducing friction in vehicle systems provide an increase in system efficiency. In addition, if a technology can provide additional wear resistance over the baseline systems, life cycle costs can be reduced. A wear resistant, lubricious surface treatment on engine and powertrain components is expected to enable a gain in fuel efficiency of 5% or more. The Army Research Lab Materials Directorate (ARL), UCT Defense (UCTD), and Crane Cams partnered in Phase I to apply and test Nickel Boron-coated ring and pinion gears on an instrumented commercial SUV. Through dynamometer and road tests, the project demonstrated that the coated gears provided a significant performance benefit when compared to baseline gears. The results included a fuel efficiency gain, a 19HP power gain, and a peak torque increase of 21 ft-lbs. The Contractor will apply and test Nickel Boron coatings to High Mobility Multi Wheel Vehicle (HMMWV) and other light duty fleet vehicle ring and pinion components to further demonstrate improvements to fuel efficiency, durability for severe and tactical driving conditions (damage and wear tolerance), improvements to torque delivery (pulling power), and improvements to horsepower delivery (top speed). This will demonstrate the wide applicability and impact this coating can have for the DoD’s vehicle fleet. This is a continuation of Phase I efforts focused on fuel efficiency gains realized from Nickel Boron coated ring and pinion components.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 4c8120312aa2768eba7b1508a15c0fc8