A -- MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR ENGINE ROTOR LIFE EXTENSION

Notice Date

April 26, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL -- Wright Research Site, Det 1 AFRL/PK, Bldg 167, Area B, 2310 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7801

ZIP Code

45433-7801

Solicitation Number

PRDA-01-07-MLK

Response Due

June 15, 2001

Point of Contact

Jeanette Zimmer, Contract Negotiator, Phone (937)255-0405, Email Jeanette.Zimmer@wpafb.af.mil -- Lynne Imhoff, Contracting Officer, Phone (937)255-5478, Email Lynne.Imhoff@wpafb.af.mil

E-Mail Address

Jeanette Zimmer (Jeanette.Zimmer@wpafb.af.mil)

Description

Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Manufacturing Technology Division, (AFRL/MLMP), solicits research proposals for Manufacturing Technology for Engine Rotor Life Extension . The Engine Rotor Life Extension (ERLE) program is a modern, more comprehensive approach to the Retirement for Cause (RFC) effort that was managed and funded by the Air Force Manufacturing Technology Program and implemented at OC-ALC in 1987. The RFC program focused on selected F100-PW-100/200 engine components. RFC integrated fracture mechanics, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and automation of the inspection and data acquisition processes. Through this effort, critical engine rotating components were extended in service life from 6 to 14 years with documented attendant cost savings in excess of $850M. Since the RFC program was demonstrated and implemented, many changes have taken place in turbine engine design, inspection and repair technologies. Modern engines incorporate advanced geometry features and component configurations, which are more difficult to inspect and cost more to support in terms of part replacement costs. In addition, the continuing life extension of fielded systems has resulted in unforeseen failures modes including surface damage, loss of dimensional tolerances, fretting and wear. These failure modes cause unacceptable increases in operation and sustainment (O&S) costs that will be most visible in aging weapon systems. The approach to the MT for ERLE program is to develop improved life-management methods that integrate state-of-the-art fracture mechanics, nondestructive evaluation, engine usage and health monitoring, data fusion, and repair technologies into a comprehensive life-management system that extends the useful life of fracture critical components in currently fielded turbine engines, particularly the F100-200/220/229 and the F110-100/129. The MT for ERLE program is looking at both near term and long term solutions to component life extension through technical programs ranging from exploratory/advanced development (6.2/6.3) to Manufacturing Technology implementation (7.8). This solicitation targets those near term process improvement implementation (7.8) at both the OC-ALC Engine Repair Facility and the engine manufacture enterprises that must be implemented and improved in terms of capability and efficiency to accommodate the analysis, inspection, repair and management of critical engine component life extension. These near term solutions will include innovative off-the-shelf technologies that have been developed since RFC or innovative technologies that will be demonstrated in conjunction with this effort and can be implemented near the end of the program. Interested offerors may view and/or download the full PRDA by accessing the Electronic Posting System (EPS) homepage at http://www.eps.gov/. Direct questions to the Contracting point of contact identified in the announcement.

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS.woa/wa/SPF?A=P&P=PRDA-01-07-MLK&L=904)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010430/ASOL014.HTM (D-116 SN50K4E0)