Advanced Structural Development for Cargo Stowage Systems

U.S. Navy Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships require cargo stowage systems to secure palletized and non-containerized cargo in the ship's holds. The current steel rail diagonal dunnage cargo stowage system is heavy and requires extensive use of filler material such as wood blocks to fill space between portable stanchions and the cargo. Weight and maintenance savings could also be realized by eliminating the concrete deck filler material used between the diagonal steel rails in order to level the surface for travel of fork lift trucks. This project proposes to develop a cost effective, lightweight, corrosion and fire resistant, durable, composite cargo stowage (CCS) system, that will meet or exceed the structural and environmental exposure design requirements for U.S. Navy CLF ships. The CCS system will consist of composite stanchions, adjustable locking blocks, overhead and deck rails, and deck tiles. The CCS system components will be constructed from composite materials that will meet all U.S. Navy CLF shipboard requirements including structural, fire, smoke and toxicity, and all environmental and chemical exposures. The proposed CCS system will allow for flexible stowage configurations that can be rapidly configured by minimal ships personnel and will be forklift compatible.