TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: To implement New Underwater Hull Structural Inspections to support an Extended Drydocking Interval and apply technology to reduce the costs associated with maintenance and inspection of the underwater hull substrate material.

DESCRIPTION: Characterization of the condition of the hull plate and structure of an Aircraft Carrier is an enormous undertaking that is crucial to the life-cycle management of the ship. NSTM Chapter 100 contains new requirements regarding underwater hull inspection involving ultrasonic testing (UT) performed by diver or a portable underwater robotic hull scanner that executes a comprehensive hull material condition survey using sensors for ultrasonic testing, dry film thickness, and cathodic potential.

Conventional UT is a method of determining substrate thickness at highly localized points utilizing short ultrasonic pulse-waves. It is an effective and accurate method to determine material thickness assuming a generally uniform corrosion,. However, most marine corrosion of coated surfaces is galvanic and localized causing pitting. UT has limited effectiveness in the detection of discrete pits as commonly found in the marine environment.

The currently configured discrete point UT collection system in use for Aircraft Carrier hulls is limited in effectiveness. A recent review has shown that data collected through current methods would only identify 3% of structural pitting therefore likely missing potentially serious pitting corrosion.

Development of a method to obtain a wide band substrate condition results or otherwise detect nearly all pitting could extend the service life of hull plating and reduce costs and schedule of ship maintenance. A means to detect pitting in the shell plating will prove greatly beneficial to the Aircraft Carrier Fleet, the entire Navy, and possibly commercial shipbuilding as well.

PHASE I: Develop a concept proposal for a scanning method to be utilized on Aircraft Carriers. The ability to obtain, collect and analyze thickness data will be critical to a proposal�s success.

PHASE II: Generate a full-scale working demonstration model of the wide band scanning inspection method and associated equipment. Once success is attained in the land-based environment, demonstrate operability onboard an Aircraft Carrier. Correct any shortcomings noted in the shipboard demonstration. Develop the capacity for full-scale manufacturing, including special tools. Develop the capacity for logistics support including provisioning, technical documentation, drawings, operating instructions, and training.

PHASE III: Preparation and readiness for full-scale manufacturing, Fleet introduction and fielding, training as necessary. Resolve any issues arising for development to production.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial ship inspections, industrial equipment inspection.

REFERENCES:
1) NSTM Ch. 100
2) CCIMS Manual

KEYWORDS: Autonomous, inspection, ultrasonic, structural, UT, preservation

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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