MIRK for In-Water Delamination Detection

We will integrate the Phase I demonstrated physics, modeling, simulations,nondestructive evaluation and Materials Identification Reflectivity Kernel(MIRK) discrimination technologies into a prototype for detecting Special HullTreatment (SHT) delamination in water for significant cost savings and riskmitigation for the Navy. The resultant technology transition will focus onVIRGINIA and COLUMBIA Class submarines and could be extended to SSN 688 andSSN 21 Classes. We will extend this work for delamination detection ofsubmarine coating in water to save an estimated $350,000 per hull per year.We will exploit the physics of waves propagating through delaminated/debondedvs. acceptably laminated/bonded tiles to demonstrate acoustic detection offlawed Mold-in-Place Special Hull Treatment (MIP/SHT) submarine coatings.Using theoretical models of syntactic foam material properties, theoreticallymodeling delaminations in the wavenumber domain, and further developing anddeploying proven narrowband acoustic waveform and signal processing methods,we will first test on a set of biofouled and non-fouled panels in a tankenvironment and then apply the results to gain 80% correct identification ofdebonded areas at or above 4 x 4 inches on an in-water submarine. We willexplore sonars and existing tools for hull examination for implementation tominimize training requirements and cost.