Objective:
The focus of this project is to develop a pulsed laser comparison map that will enable users to move from one laser ablation system to another, based on a reduced set of key processing parameters and the resulting material condition.
Summary:
Shipyards are pursuing pulsed laser ablation (LA) as a replacement for labor-intensive coatings/rust removal methods such as grinding, needle gunning, blasting, burn-off ovens, etc., for ship construction and maintenance operations. There are also many pulsed LA tools currently available, each with its own benefits. Different operations may benefit from different LA tools, depending, e.g., on whether the application is amenable to automation or manual methods of removal. Determining equivalency between these somewhat different LA tools is difficult, such that qualification of one tool does not translate into qualification for an alternative LA tool, often due to concerns with over-processing materials. The team plans to investigate and evaluate different pulsed laser systems that will be useful to shipyards.
Key Deliverables / Benefits:
This effort may reduce testing or characterization required to extend an existing LA “approval to use” authorization toward an alternative LA system for the same material.
Overview
Project Team:
- Penn State University Applied Research Lab, HII Newport News Shipbuilding, GD Bath Iron Works, HII Ingalls Shipbuilding
YEAR
- April 2025 – April 2026
NSRP ASE Investment:
- $200K
