The VHLGM project goal was to integrate the currently available knowledge of the strength properties of the high load innovative aeronautical gear’s material used into the Power Reduction Gearbox of Geared Open Rotor demonstrator (SAGE 2) through an optimised characterisation process with potential benefits on future applications.

To achieve this object the project is divided in two main tasks. The first task covers the validation of the Single Tooth Bending Fatigue (STBF) testing technique as a leaner and alternative approach to tests on components for the study of the gear bending fatigue. The second task deal with the bending and scuffing strength performance evaluation and with the study of experimental and statistical approaches for the pitting strength characterisation. The bending performance evaluation will be carried out by applying the methodology developed and validated in the first task, while scuffing limits will be determined by carrying out tests on components through the identified optimised experimental and statistical approach.

The employment of the characterised material in future PGB could lead to a reduction of the overall envelope, weight, increasing transmission power density, giving a direct contribution to the fuel consumption and emissions reduction targets.

The project will also provide robust and reliable statistical and experimental methodologies to the determination of bending, scuffing and pitting limits. The developed methodologies may be introduced as a standard approach to characterise in the future further new materials.