Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Crack Repair for Aluminum Structures Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-069 Topic Title: Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Crack Repair for Aluminum Structures Proposal No.: N161-069-0730 Firm: Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd. The Millennium Centre 1142 Middle Creek Road Triadelphia, West Virginia 26059 Contact: Brian Gordon Phone: (304) 547-5800 Web Site: http://www.trl.com Abstract: Touchstone proposes to incorporate its MetPreg fiber reinforced aluminum material into a concept for bonded-on repairs to cracked aluminum ship hulls and superstructure. The method would not require logistics beyond that which is normally available to ship's force or entail the use of materials with short shelf life. MetPreg has been shown to arrest cracks in 7xxx series aluminum compact tension specimens when applied to both sides of the specimen. The current effort will seek to determine if the same effects can be achieved when bonding to one side of a 5xxx series aluminum, such as would be used for marine applications. If the testing is successful, a crack repair concept based on MetPreg will be developed for further investigation in Phase II. Benefits: The use of MetPreg fiber reinforced aluminum would allow for rapid repair of cracked ship components while underway. This would eliminate the need for extended pier side repair periods or taking the ship out of service and into a contractor support yard for making repairs. Commercial applications would include repair to any aluminum component on pleasure crafts, ocean liners, or cruise ships. Repair to aluminum dock equipment would also be a potential application. This technology could also be applied to the aerospace industry for repair to Navy flight assets or commercial jet structures. Return