Navy Researches Additive Manufacturing for Hydrodynamics Testing


The Naval Floor Warfare Heart is engaged in a examine to guage the feasibility of utilizing Giant Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) for naval mannequin testing. This examine, a part of the LSAM FY 21-23 activity proposal, goals to find out if 3D printed fashions can match the efficiency of conventional fiberglass fashions in resistance testing. The main focus is on the David Taylor Mannequin Basin (DTMB) the place a mannequin of the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer (DDG 51) was examined.

Navy Researches Additive Manufacturing for Hydrodynamics Testing
Navy Researches Additive Manufacturing for Hydrodynamics Testing
Calm water tow-tank testing of a large-scale additive manufactured (LSAM) ship mannequin of the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer. (Picture Credit score: Brittny Odoms)

The initiative started as an idea in 2019-2020 with the profitable 3D printing of a submarine bow mannequin. This led to the creation of a full-size floor ship mannequin, funded by the Naval Progressive Science and Engineering (NISE) program.

“I feel one of many large pursuits inside Carderock as an entire, and particularly our division, is eager to transition this expertise for sensible use,” stated Engineer Kyle Mosqueda.

“We might construct fashions so much quicker and so much cheaper.”

The testing concerned evaluating the LSAM mannequin with a fiberglass mannequin by way of water absorption, hull integrity, and deformation. The 3D printed mannequin, produced by Airtech Worldwide, Inc., underwent calm water tow tank checks at speeds equal to 7 mph.

Preliminary outcomes are promising, displaying comparable efficiency between the LSAM and fiberglass fashions in resistance and deformation. This success has led to additional funding for structural analysis and future testing in simulated sea states.

“I’m curious to see if the DDG 51 mannequin deflects whereas underway,” stated Mosqueda.

“I’m testing the fiberglass mannequin and the LSAM mannequin one after the opposite, after which evaluating the outcomes. I’ve excessive confidence that they are going to be comparable and can additional validate this nice piece of expertise for future implementation.”

The profitable implementation of LSAM in naval mannequin testing might rework the business’s strategy to hydrodynamic analysis and design. This methodology guarantees enhanced effectivity in mannequin manufacturing, doubtlessly resulting in extra revolutionary designs and improved testing methodologies in naval engineering.

Supply: dvidshub.web

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