Integration of Scanning & Laser Peening Technology in Shipyards

OBJECTIVE:

The primary goal of this project was to research, develop, and certify laser peen forming capabilities with the purpose of applying them to shipbuilding materials to form compound curvatures in parts without adding heat and mitigate cracking due to sensitization. These magnesium-based aluminum alloys, when exposed to tensile stresses, a corrosive environment, and heat over time, undergo a phenomenon called sensitization in which alloyed magnesium migrates to the grain boundaries of the material, and this results in a catastrophic degradation of material properties.

 

SUMMARY:

The scope of this project was focused on maturing the scanning and laser peening of aluminum expanding upon the RA 15-01, Foundational Technology for Scanning & Laser Peening in Shipyards. This project procured a more mature and better scanner that is production representative, integrate that scanner in with the laser peening capability and mature the laser peen forming capability with algorithm developments.

 

KEY DELIVERABLES / BENEFITS

• Mature Scanning and Laser Peen Forming Aluminum
• Develop NAVSEA Certification Plan
• Demonstrate a scalable scanning capability
• Measure effectiveness of laser peening to mitigate sensitization in 5000 series Aluminum

 

 

POINT OF CONTACT: Forrest Parker | Hepburn and Sons, LLC | forrest.parker@hepburnandsons.com

Key Deliverables:

Request Final Report from NSRP – Limited Distribution authorized to U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry and NSRP ASE Program representatives.