New high performance surface ships are weight critical, and the application of lightweight materials in the structures of these ships provides significant potential for reducing weight. A long range program has been planned for the development of advanced composite structural components of high performance surface ships. The program will address the potential advantages of composites in the strut/foil systems of advanced hydrofoil ships.
“Trade‐off” studies for hydrofoil ships have demonstrated the potential for weight reduction of foil systems and structural validation of some representative foil elements has been initiated. Similar “trade‐off” studies are proposed to address other applications of composites. Supporting materials programs have been oriented to address environmental and fabrication problems associated with high performance ship structures.
The Navy has initiated development of new classes of advanced surface ships, such as hydrofoil and surface effect ships, which require weight‐critical structures utilizing high‐strength materials. The material/structures systems of these high performance ships demand coordinated and systematic application of new technology to assure their structural integrity. Criteria for materials selection, design, fabrication, inspection, and maintenance must take into account the characteristics of high‐strength metals. Considerations of fatigue, crack growth, and fracture will assume vital roles in the total life‐cycle of advanced surface ships from earliest conception to termination of service. This paper describes the new structural integrity technology required for advanced surface ships, outlines the benefits to be derived from this approach, and indicates the means by which this technology can be implemented.
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