VRC Metal Systems, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N201-X02

Description

The US Navy has a need for the repair of structural systems on the aging Ohio class submarines and Nimitz class carriers. Cold spray technology offers the opportunity to perform repairs at low temperature, therefore avoiding sensitization of the base materials and resulting in a more corrosion resistant repair. VRC Metal Systems proposes the development of a powder material and a structural repair method for seawater resistant copper nickel materials and the development of a wide area spray device to address high surface area applications. VRC will work with subcontractors to generate custom powder materials with certified pedigree and apply these materials to the repair of critical Navy components. VRC will validate designs for prototype wide area spray applicators and demonstrate a deposition area scale up. Finally, VRC will work with stakeholders across the Navy at the public shipyards, refit facilities, and warfare centers to identify applications and transition the technology developed in this effort. The cold spray technology developed in this effort can result in a significant cost avoidance as well as an increased weapon systems availability, which is a strategic benefit to the US Navy.