QUESTEK INNOVATIONS LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N211-057

Description

Flight deck tie downs (FDTD), which are fabricated from primer-coated forged alloy steel, are utilized on DDG-51 destroyers to anchor helicopters to the ship deck. However, excessive wear of these components over time exacerbated by corrosion due to incomplete corrosion resistant coatings coverage have increased in-service component scrap rate and maintenance costs. Additionally, the potential risk of catastrophic failure of these components poses a significant danger to onboard ship equipment and personnel safety. QuesTek has proposed to evaluate cast precipitation hardened stainless steels, including QuesTek’s Ferrium® PH48S stainless steel, and the suitable welding materials and processes to improve the FDTD component reliability and service life. During the Phase I effort, QuesTek will demonstrate the technical feasibility of using investment cast stainless steel for Navy FDTD components through material fabrication, characterization, and testing. During the Phase II effort, QuesTek will optimize the cast stainless steel and welding materials and processes (i.e. composition limits, heat treatment processes, weld metal filler) to maximize the performance capabilities under relevant marine environments. Prototype FDTD fabrication and testing will be conducted to qualify a cast stainless steel component for Navy adoption, including new technical protocols for component fabrication, installation, and maintenance.