NSRP funds 15 new shipbuilding R&D projects

The National Shipbuilding Research Program Executive Control Board has selected 15 new research and development projects to receive awards totaling approximately $1.4 million.

A brief description of each newly awarded project follows: 

Single Coat Tank Coating with Retained Pre-Construction Primer
Panel: Surface Preparation & Coatings
Project Lead: Elzly Technology Corporation
Objective: Expanding on a current panel project, the goal of this project is obtain NAVSEA approval to apply rapid cure, single-coat tank linings over pre-construction primer
Award: $100K

Cost Reduction Measures for Local Cable Hanger Installation 
Panel: Electrical Technologies
Project Lead: Ingalls Shipbuilding
Objective: This focus of this project is to: reduce costs associated with local cable hangers installed during late construction (when hot work is expensive), as well as reducing the costs of hangers for vertical local cable runs through relaxation of spacing requirements. 
Award: $100K

Application and Refinement of Tandem Gas Shielded Processes
Panel: Welding Technology
Project Lead: Vigor Shipyards
Objective: To advance the Tandem Gas Shielded process by adapting it to flux backing in order to better integrate with mechanized panel line welding installations in shipyards  
Award: $100K

Tank Boundary and Penetration Testing  
Panel: Planning, Production Processes & Facilities
Project Lead: GD NASSCO
Objective: This project will conduct a study to identify and document best practices for early testing of tank and compartment boundaries and penetrations.
Award: $99K 

Future State for Navy Ship Maintenance Painting
Panel: Surface Preparation & Coatings
Project Lead: Elzly Technology Corporation
Objective:Expanding on the process map for current state of the preservation process, this project will develop a future  state map for Navy ship painting that supports both Public and Private repair and maintenance activities. 
Award: $100K

Transit Sealant Evaluation
Panel: Electrical Technologies
Project Lead: Bath Iron Works
Objective: To find a suitable replacement for traditional transit block systems for electrical systems traversing watertight barriers, that will save time and labor. 
Award: $100K

National Environmental Welding Data Program 
Panel: Environmental Technologies
Project Lead:  Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Objective: To provide EPA with information regarding shipyard welding operations to ensure accurate representation in future rulemaking decisions; and to assist EPA in establishing a sustainable program for the developing welding emissions factors 
Award: $100K

Cable Pulling Concept Development
Panel: Electrical Technologies
Project Lead: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Objective: To develop concepts that will improve the current method of cable pulling through labor reduction and avoidance of worker injury. 
Award: $100K

Panel Project Technology Transfer Templates
Panel: Workforce Development
Project Lead: Newport News Shipbuilding
Objective: To provide structured guidance for the execution of technology transfer for NSRP projects. 
Award: $14.5K

Development of 110 Volt Single-Phase Powered Stud Welding System
Panel: Surface Preparation and Coatings
Project Lead: Nelson Stud Welding 
Objective: To evaluate power conversion topologies in providing a regulated current supply suitable for precision drawn-arc stud welding powered by 110 volt single phase input power.
Award: $100K

Noise Control Methods for Shipbuilding
Panel: Risk Management
Project Lead: Atrium Environmental, Health and Safety Services
Objective: To evaluate current practices for measuring noise exposure in shipyard processes that commonly have high noise levels, and determine those parameters and working conditions that contribute to the reduction in shipyard noise exposure.
Award: $100K
Cost of Survivability in Naval Engineering Systems
Panel: Ship Design & Material Technologies
Project Lead: GD NASSCO
Objective: To develop a single liquid distributive system diagram comparing ABS Steel Vessel Rules (SVR) and Naval Vessel Rules (NVR), with the goal of clarifying and defining cost and design differences between commercial and military performance characteristics. 
Award: $99K

Application of Mechanical Arm Systems
Panel: Surface Preparation & Coatings
Project Lead: BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards
Objective: To test and quantify the applicability of unpowered mechanical arm technology in the shipbuilding industry 
Award: $100K 

Software System for American Bureau of Shipping Rules 
Panel: Ship Design & Material Technologies
Project Lead: DRS Defense Solutions
Objective: To facilitate the preliminary design of a software application for performing and documenting calculations required by Chapter 3, Naval Vessel Rules (NVR), Part 1 – Hull and Structures. 
Award: $100K

Navy Configuration and Logistics Data Exchange Specification Implementation 
Panel: Information Technologies
Project Lead: Ingalls Shipbuilding
Objective: Develop a Navy Configuration and Logistics Data Exchange Specification (DEX), implement a representative data exchange using the DEX, and document the DEX implementation process and applicable guidance for use on future Navy DEX implementations. 
Award: $100K

October 17, 2011