The NASA Lewis Research Center is capitalizing on breakthroughs in foil air bearing performance, tribological coatings, and computer analyses to formulate the Oil-free Turbomachinery Program. This type of engine would operate at higher speeds and temperatures with lower weight and friction than conventional oil-lubricated engines. This oil-free turbocharger features two journal foil bearings, two thrust foil bearings, a NASA PS304 coating, and a rigid rotor.
All dimensions are in inches.
By adapting these technologies, future aeropropulsion engines can run more efficiently and be maintenance free as well as oil free.