MATERIALS SCIENCES LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N231-051

Description

As the Navy has transitioned to implementation of aluminum hull structures for reduced weight and enhanced efficiency, e.g., Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), novel composite patch repair solutions that can be executed below the surface of the waterline are now desired.  Prior research indicates that a sub-sea composite patch repair is a viable approach to addressing not only aluminum hull cracks, but also cracking in steel hulls. However, both a robust material solution and design/implementation methodology are required for adoption into the fleet to be considered. As such, Materials Sciences LLC (MSC) is proposing to leverage our extensive knowledge of resin formulation, composite structural analysis and composite repair to execute the following multi-faceted solution to this repair challenge. •     Development of a dual kinetic, self-adhesive resin that will enable repairs to be completed without special equipment at in-theatre temperature and capable of carrying structural loads in 24 hours. •     Execute analysis simulations to predict flow induced shear and peel stresses on repair patch geometries in order to establish design criteria for various hull forms and repair locations. •     Conduct supplemental laboratory testing to Validate and Verify (V&V) analysis methods and patch repair performance for multi-material interfaces of relevance.