Adaptable Standardized Modular Infrastructure for Optimal Space Utilization Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Topic No.: N141-041 Topic Title: Adaptable Standardized Modular Infrastructure for Optimal Space Utilization Proposal No.: N141-041-0638 Firm: Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, Texas 78733 Contact: Robert Brushaber Phone: (512) 263-2101 Web Site: www.tri-austin.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for an innovative manufacturing processes and materials to produce a shower stall that is affordable, modular, corrosion resistant, water tight, and can be built with the minimal number of standardized components to reduce the production time and overall life-cycle maintenance associated with the system, Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. (TRI/Austin) proposes to leverage on innovations in material selection, sealing innovation, and advances in modular concept design. To optimize the new design, test structures will be constructed and subsequently tested and evaluated. Based on the resulting test data, prototype structures for the Modular Shower system will be designed, analyzed, manufactured, and tested. An economic analysis will be performed to provide a cost estimate for the Modular Shower system. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the Modular Shower System by design and testing of a demonstrator prototype. Phase II plans include prototype development and performance validation, with a final report incorporating recommendations for transition to Phase III. Benefits: The proposed Modular Shower system solution to this technical problem is important to the DDG51 Class Program Office. An effective development of an affordable innovative standardized structure that is adaptable to multiple configurations, sizes, and shapes like a shower stall compartment, would be the first step in analyzing all non-mission essential areas for standardized optimal space utilization. There are opportunities to use the innovative modular design on other shipboard applications such as; storage compartments, boatswain lockers, or damage control lockers. The proposed Modular Shower system will have immediate application in new ship construction and refurbishments. Other ship classes will need to be involved to help us broaden our applicability. The showers on the DDG51 will not absorb the costs of changing paper work for a single ship class. TRI/Austin will be in discussions with the people at other ship yards, Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ships, Carrier Groups, submarines, destroyers, large deck amphibious ships, tankers, cargo vessels, and Cost Guard ocean patrol cutters. Return