Prediction for safety of maritime assets

Our research investigates complex, detrimental lifecycle factors that influence the long-term structural integrity of specialised materials. Applying our internationally recognised real-world empirical science expertise for improved longevity and operational capability of defence assets, such as vessel steels, impact resistant concrete, modular temporary structures, etc

We do this using real-world field testing and metallographic and electrochemical laboratory experiments to increase scientific knowledge of the short- and long-term weld corrosion processes. we are also developing mathematical models to predict likely localised weld corrosion loss, which can contribute to guaranteeing operational safety and reliability for Australia’s defence and other critical shipping and

Competitive advantage

• Real-world, complex, and controlled multi-year empirically obtained data for increased realistic operational safety and reliability of assets

Successful applications of research

• Improved ship building practices in Australia
• Efficiently sustaining docked Royal Australian Navy fleets for optimal operational performance
• Offshore facilities across the country
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Partners

• Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)

Impact

Project outcomes will:

In a very focused manner, provide scientific, evidence-based models for material deterioration and its impact on the structural integrity of new and existing assets. Which in turn permit optimal maintenance regimes, reduction of economic losses, and undesirable operational impacts.

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Capabilities and facilities

• Concept, design, construction and operation and management of material testing in a variety of test conditions
• High level analytical skills for interpretation of results and for building theoretical and prediction models
• High level of capability to interact with industry
• Dedicated, secure and remotely controlled field test facilities at various locations across Australia
• Concrete technology material testing laboratory
• Structural Materials Testing facilities, including several universal testing machines
• Metallographic, Electrochemical and Mechanical Material Investigation facilities
• Optical and Electron Microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-Ray diffraction laboratory

Dr Igor Chaves