TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 500, DDG 1000 Program, ACAT 1D

OBJECTIVE: Develop and implement a high temperature insulation attachment system utilizing adhesives for use in rapid outfitting and new construction installation.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, the primary method of attaching insulation during outfitting and new construction is through the used of welded studs. Traditionally, these studs are attached to decks and bulkheads early in the construction process evolution and as a result are often damaged before the construction process is complete. Any changes or additions late in the construction process require additional "hot-work" which can be expensive to arrange and may damage existing finishes.

This topic seeks innovative, cost-effective scientific and engineering solutions to replace the traditional welded stud method of insulation attachment on both steel and composite bulkheads. Of particular interest are proposals utilizing high temperature (in excess of 300oF) adhesives in conjunction with a "pin" type of attachment device. The concepts proposed should be able to be implemented by no more than a couple of individuals and should have physical and mechanical properties conducive to operation under extreme conditions up until compartment tenability limits. Concepts will be required to meet applicable fire, smoke, toxicity and shock requirements.

The development of an insulation system attachment alternative will reduce the cost and time for insulation attachment and reduce associated monitoring and inspection steps. Portability and use in confined shipboard spaces are critical attributes of any solution, as well as compatibility with current and pending environmental, safety and health regulations. Candidate technologies that require limited resources (electrical, water, high-pressure air, etc.) are most desirable.

PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility for improvements being developed and also identify impact upon shipbuilding affordability. Include a first order Return-On-Investment (ROI) analysis for industry implementation and estimate potential Total Ownership Cost (TOC) reduction. Establish performance metrics to analyze the feasibility of the proposed solution. Develop a test and evaluation plan that contains discrete milestone for product development for verifying performance and suitability.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototype materials/methods based on Phase I results. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate that the prototype(s) meet the performance goals established in Phase I. Demonstrate installation and applicable maintenance methodologies. Provide detailed production/installation plans and estimates, production drawings, logistic support plans, weight breakdown, and system cost estimates (both acquisition and lifecycle).

PHASE III: Working with the Navy, develop transition plans and demonstrate the commercial and shipboard uses. Coordinate with the Navy to develop and execute plans for shipboard installation in a suitable application in conjunction with a Navy ship acquisition program.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Insulation systems are widely used in commercial marine shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and aircraft industries where fire safety is of high interest. Development of an alternative improved method of insulation attachment will reduce the cost and time associated with installation and maintenance.

REFERENCES:
1. http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/

2. "Performance Specification Insulation, High Temperature Fire Protection, Thermal and Acoustic," MIL-PRF-32161.

3. "Adhesives, Fire-Resistant, Thermal Insulation " MIL-A-3316C(2).

4. "Shock Tests. H.I. (High-Impact) Shipboard Machinery, Equipment, And Systems, Requirements For", MIL-S-901D.

KEYWORDS: Adhesive; High temperature; stud; insulation; fastener; bulkheads.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between April 21 and May 18, 2008, you may talk directly with the Topic Author(s) to ask technical questions about the topics. Their contact information is listed above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting May 19, 2008, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

However, proposers may still submit written questions about solicitation topics through the DoD's SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS), in which the questioner and respondent remain anonymous and all questions and answers are posted electronically for general viewing until the solicitation closes. All proposers are advised to monitor SITIS (08.2 Q&A) during the solicitation period for questions and answers, and other significant information, relevant to the SBIR 08.1 topic under which they are proposing.

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