Groundbreaking Maintenance Techniques Master Class Day: Monday, December 7, 2009

7:30 - 8:00 Registration And Coffee

Anticipating maintenance to maximize performance

8:00 - 10:00 Integrated Ground Vehicle Reliability Prediction Computational Framework

This presentation addresses key aspects of the ground vehicle reliability prediction. The focus of this session is on the enhancement of the overall vehicle reliability prediction process of all available sources of information, physics-based models, test databases and expert knowledge. The integrated reliability prediction approach incorporates the following computational steps: i) simulation of stochastic operational environment, ii) vehicle multibody dynamics analysis, iii) stress prediction in subsystems and components, iv) stochastic progressive damage analysis, and v) component life prediction, including the effects of scheduled maintenance and, finally, iv) reliability prediction at component and system level. This presentation illustrates the application of the integrated reliability prediction framework to the reliability prediction of the HMMWV front suspension system.

What will be covered:

  • Functional concepts in high-performance computing environment
  • Evolving advances in engineering analysis
  • Shifting toward system physics-based model simulation

How you will benefit:

  • Discover opportunities within reliability prediction approaches
  • Learn about efficient graph partitioning

Session Leader:

Dr. Dan M. Ghiocel
President & Chief of Engineering
GP Technologies Inc.

Innovative technology to optimize military vehicles

10:15 - 12:15 Fan Optimization For The Marine Corps Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle

Innovative technology to optimize military vehicles This master class will cover conceptual design and optimization of the fan aboard the USMC Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV). The goal of the design is to maintain or improve the performance of the current fan while reducing the acoustical noise that is being produced. A comprehensive design and optimization procedure was undertaken that coupled CFD, FEA, and a turbo-machinery acoustical noise analysis code. The resultant design has provided substantial noise reduction at high levels of aerodynamic efficiency, while maintaining mechanical integrity.

What will be covered:

  • Groundbreaking design advancements
  • Increasing the efficiency of the EFV

How you will benefit:

  • Gain insight into emerging technology for military vehicles
  • Discover future tools and methods to aid vehicle development
  • Understand milestones in design capabilities

Session Leader:

Dr. Edward M. Bennett
Director of Fluids Engineering
Mechanical Solutions, Inc.

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch Will Be Served

Creating new technologies to combat corrosion

1:15 - 3:15 Innovative Surface Modification For High Strength Steel Alloys To Enhance Corrosion Resistance

This workshop will cover the development of a processing methodology for improving strength and corrosion resistance properties of carburizing stainless steel (CSS-42L) through surface carburization prior to aging and heat treatment. CSS-42L will be evaluated by various modifications to the tempering and quenching temperatures. Examples of analytical and modeling tools will demonstrate the surface modification process parameters such as hardness and residual stress through thickness.

What will be covered:

  • Advances in corrosion prevention
  • Unique material treatment procedures
  • Improved analysis of corrosion characteristics

How you will benefit:

  • Learn about new technology in metal treatment
  • Discover predicting capabilities to combat corrosion
  • Gain insights into new analysis of materials

Session Leader:

Dr. Klaus-Hermann Dahmen
CEO
Innovative Materials Design and Processing, Inc.

More focused diagnostics to assist overburdened soldiers and maintenance officers

3:30 - 5:30 Better Diagnostic And Prognostic Technologies To Reduce Cost And Ensure Readiness Of Ground Vehicle Fleets

Learn about a technology that detects damage to critical suspension components in military vehicles simply by driving over a speed bump-like "diagnostic cleat" containing sensors. The aim of this technology is to save time and maintenance costs by catching damage before it leads to failure in the field. This system measures vibrations created by forces that a vehicle's tires apply to the cleat. Damage is detected in the tires, wheel bearings, and suspension components by using signal processing software to interpret the sensor data. By using the instrumented cleat and other "condition-based" maintenance methods, the military could reduce costs by performing work on vehicles when needed based on the condition of parts instead of performing scheduled maintenance on vehicles regardless of whether they need the work.

What will be covered:

  • Limitations of current diagnostic systems
  • Effects of timing on maintenance cost
  • Recognizing and overcoming maintenance procedures

How you will benefit:

  • Recognize benefits of conditional maintenance vs. preventative maintenance
  • Gain insight into fast response diagnostics systems

Session Leader:

Matthew Potrawski
Managing Director, IDI/PCSI
Purdue University