Objective:

The project’s primary goal is to install a laser peening system onboard an LCS platform, treat its aluminum deck, and have NSWC Carderock certify the technology for shipyard use.

Summary:

Laser peening imparts a deep compressive residual stress in all metals but has especially been shown to be beneficial in aluminum applications from forming complex shapes or straightening and mitigating a myriad of issues caused by lengthy deployments in hot marine environments. The following five goals will be achieved in this project.

  • Build a laser peening system specifically for integrating at a shipyard
  • Design and deliver the Beam Deck Delivery System for safe laser peening onboard ship
  • Peen test samples for completion of the NSWC Carderock laser peening certification tests
  • Integrate utilities to laser peening system onboard ship
  • Laser peen LCS aluminum deck that is being repaired/replaced while avoiding rework

Key Deliverables / Benefits:

  • Reduction in number of inserts
  • Weight reduction from overall ship weight budget
  • Increased ship speed, fuel savings, and payload options
  • Reduced rate of sensitization and retardation of aluminum crack growth
  • Reduction in labor costs

Point of Contact:

Eric Hepburn | Hepburn and Sons, LLC | eric.hepburn@helpburnandsons.com

Overview

Ship Production Technologies

Hepburn and Sons, LLC | LSP Technologies | Vigor Shipyards | NSWC-Carderock

December 2019 – October 2021

INDUSTRY INVESTMENT: $1.956M | NSRP ASE INVESTMENT: $1.777M