Machinable Composite Delivers Shaft Bearing Solution
When the failure rate of the shaft line rope guards protecting external shaft bearings on British Royal Navy vessels was running at an unacceptably high rate, BMT Defence Services Ltd was asked to find a solution.
Investigations concluded that the failure was due to a combination of the punishing operating environments, the inadequacy of the fastenings, and the unsuitability of the thin-section GRP used to make the rope guards, which was delaminating at sea. In designing a solution to this problem, and the increased risk of bearing failure that frequently required docking for repairs, BMT assessed a range of materials and selected Orkot machinable composite.
The fastening problems were solved by changing the axis on which the rope guards were secured and using larger fastenings manufactured from the new material, which was more compatible with the operating environment.
Initial testing on a Type 22 Frigate showed a significant increase in reliability. The new design improved confidence in the rope guard performance and offered the Royal Navy a significant reduction in through-life cost and support.
The composite was approved for installation on all RN Frigates and BMT has thus far fitted ship sets to 12 vessels out of a fleet of 31. The Royal Navy is so pleased with the new product that Orkot has been selected as a preferred OEM for the new Type 45 Destroyer.
MJ Information No: 18325
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