Bulk Metallic Glass Planetary Gearboxes for Cryogenic, Unlubricated Spacecraft Applications

In this Phase I SBIR program, Amorphology proposes to develop, characterize and test an unlubricated (and also dry lubricated) two-stage planetary gearbox (22 mm, two-stage, 19:1 reduction ratio) fabricated using bulk metallic glass (BMG) planet gears, pinon gears, and sun gear. The gearbox will be characterized without liquid lubrication compared to a steel and plastic version and then life-tested at -50C under a variety of torques, speeds and operating conditions. Amorphology currently develops BMG gear technology for various applications, where unlubricated operations, low-cost manufacturing through injection-molding technology, and high-precision gears offer new actuator capabilities in the aerospace industry, the medical device industry, the food service industry, and various robotic applications.

Potential NASA applications include any mission identified in NASA's newly released Planetary Decadal Survey, for example, those to comets, asteroids, Enceladus, Titan, Mars and Earth’s moon where there is a combination of cryogenic temperature, high-vacuum conditions, dust, and extreme environmental conditions that require the development of new technology for mobility, manipulation, and sampling.

Potential non-NASA applications include any precision gearing application that could benefit from not requiring lubrication/grease, for example, certain applications for robotics, medical devices, food manufacturing/service, drones/UAVs, aerospace, and automotive.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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