Developments in the Design, Analysis, and Fabrication of Advanced Technology Transmission Elements

During the last decade, many research and development programs were conducted to reduce helicopter drive system weight and cost, increase reliability and survivability and improve many other attributes of the drive system. Boeing Vertol has been active in this area and has supported this effort by both IR&D and government funded RRD contracts. Some of the major accomplishments in these areas include: - High Speed, Cup Ribbed, Tapered Roller Bearings; - Application of Resin Composites -Rotor Shafts, -Transmissions Housings; - Integrated Gear/Bearing/Shaft Systems; - Photoelastic Investigation of Gear Tooth Strength; - Automatic Generation of Complex FEM Models for Gear/Shaft Systems. This paper will present a brief summary of work conducted in each of these areas and provide projections as to the benefits to be obtained by applying this technology to helicopter drive systems for the 1980's and beyond. Emphasis will be placed on their influence on helicopter drive system performance and cost.