Shielding Solutions for Composite Ship Structures

"Composite structures can provide major weight savings and performance improvements over metallic structures. Their high strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance and compatibility with low radar cross-section designs have led to their increasing usein ship construction. However since these structures provide no inherent EM shielding it must be specifically designed-in for ship topside applications. The Foster-Miller team will develop innovative methods for providing effective and durable EMshielding. Our team includes a major shipbuilder, Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems, to assist us with ship design and construction practices. Our technical approach addresses integration of a ground-plane within the composite structure and the connection ofthis groundplane to the hull of the vessel. Our approach also addresses the needs for grounding the shields for systems and equipment during outfitting. (P-020621) Providing durable and effective shielding of composite structures is required for safety of personnel and equipment in ship topside applications. Proven shielding techniques will enable future ship systems will benefit from the reduced weight andvulnerability of composite ship structures. The Foster-Miller approach is to identify techniques for integrating the shielding provisions during fabrication of the composite structure, rather than adding them as an afterthought. We believe this providesfor a more cost-effective and rob