Tough Reconfigurable Topside Shipbuilding Manufacturing Structure
Navy SBIR FY2008.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2
Topic No.: N08-179
Topic Title: Tough Reconfigurable Topside Shipbuilding Manufacturing Structure
Proposal No.: N082-179-0893
Firm: KaZaK Composites Incorporated
10F GIll Street
Woburn, Massachusetts 01801-1721
Contact: MIke McAleenan
Phone: (207) 371-2568
Web Site: kazakcomposites.com
Abstract: Military and emergency civilian shelters are typically designed for mobile operations with relatively short set-up/strike cycles. Durability with minimal maintenance and logistical support are then essential. These characteristics also hold true for shipyard construction and environmental structures. However unlike military and civilian structures, topside shipyard structures must withstand grinding, hot work and day to day use in a manufacturing environment. In addition ship topside structures vary in geometric complexity, material and accessibility. The shelter system must also be designed to withstand high winds, ice and snow loads. KaZaK's Phase I efforts will work with shipyards to define shelter requirements, then further refine/develop proposed innovations through analysis and scaled prototype models, while refining designs and full scale testing during Phase II. KaZaK will investigate a novel composite material construction in combination with a highly automated panel production process that has been used with great success in other structural design problems that required a balance between deployed stiffness, durability and low cost. Full scale Navy/shipyard prototype fabrication/assembly and shelter testing is anticipated by the end of Phase II.
Benefits: Commercial applications of a durable, lightweight and low cost reconfigurable manufacturing shelter that conforms to shipyard and regulatory requirements would provide excellent market potential. Ensuring the shelter remains flexible to meet emerging requirements and markets will be part of the design philosophy. Commercial applications in the construction, marine, commercial/recreational boat markets could offer low cost compliance to environmental regulations.

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