B. Tufts, C. J. Kuehmann, R. Rathbun, QuesTek Innovations LLC, Evanston, IL
QuesTek Innovations is commercializing a new class of case carburized, secondary-hardened, martensitic, high-strength gear steels for use in high performance automotive and aerospace applications. QuesTek’s Ferrium® C61 alloy was designed using computational materials design techniques to achieve a high-strength/high-toughness core with a case hardness of 60-62 Rockwell C. The approach has been to perfect processing and manufacturing of the alloy in lower-volume racing applications while developing the extensive test data required for aerospace components. Ring and pinions made from QuesTek’s Ferrium C61 alloy are now the preferred choice for 1600 class racers in the SCORE off road series. Drivers running Ferrium C61 gears have won the Baja 1000 and the overall points championship in both 2005 and 2006 while extending the typical life of a gear set five fold. Ferrium C61 is currently being evaluated for aerospace applications and a next generation alloy is targeted for helicopter gearing in Naval craft. Quantitative fatigue data (both surface and single tooth bending fatigue) as well as qualitative race performance data will be presented, demonstrating the unique properties of this emerging class of alloys.
Summary: QuesTek Innovations is commercializing a new class of case carburized, secondary-hardened, martensitic, high-strength gear steels for use in high performance automotive and aerospace applications. QuesTek’s Ferrium® C61 alloy was designed using computational materials design techniques to achieve a high-strength/high-toughness core with a case hardness of 60-62 Rockwell C. The approach has been to perfect processing and manufacturing of the alloy in lower-volume racing applications while developing the extensive test data required for aerospace components. Ring and pinions made from QuesTek’s Ferrium C61 alloy are now the preferred choice for 1600 class racers in the SCORE off road series. Drivers running Ferrium C61 gears have won the Baja 1000 and the overall points championship in both 2005 and 2006 while extending the typical life of a gear set five fold. Ferrium C61 is currently being evaluated for aerospace applications and a next generation alloy is targeted for helicopter gearing in Naval craft. Quantitative fatigue data (both surface and single tooth bending fatigue) as well as qualitative race performance data will be presented, demonstrating the unique properties of this emerging class of alloys.
