Naval inspection system

The researchers are working with colleagues at the US Naval Surface Warfare Centre, US Naval Academy and CRC for Advanced Composite Structures to develop the system, which will provide a means to quickly and non-destructively inspect large composite structures.

Composites are increasingly used in the construction of new air and maritime structures, due to their strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, excessive pounding from high seas and underwater explosions and impacts with submerged objects can cause sub-surface structural damage, requiring the structures to be withdrawn from service for inspection.

‘The current system, known as SIDER, was developed for the US Navy and relies on procedures applied when the vessel is docked. We are adapting the technique so it can be performed at sea, reducing platform downtime,’ said Dr Claire Davis, DSTO research scientist.

As part of the new system, sensor networks using advanced Bragg gratings in optical fibres, will replace SIDER excitation grids. The sensors will record structural responses to environmental excitation, caused by a vessel’s movement through the sea.