Shipboard SMART Foundation Adapter

A low cost, lightweight alternative to conventional metal shipboard components is required that uses composite materials to reduce weight and cost, and can meet all of the NAVSEA requirements. During Phase I, Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc.(TRI/Austin) demonstrated the feasibility of developing a SMART reconfigurable, low cost, lightweight, fire resistant, easily accessible, composite track. The use of composite materials reduces the cost and weight of the SMART berth system while providinga reliable, corrosion free service life in excess of 15 years. The composite material proposed for the SMART system application is comprised of a high temperature, fire resistant resin system. The system is reinforced with high strength glass fibers thatwill meet MIL-STD-2031. The TRI material passed a Full Room ISO 9705 , Fire Test conducted by NAVSEA. This test determined that the TRI , ThemaSafe low smoke composite material meets flash over requirements set by NAVSEA. The goal of the Phase II projectis to develop cost effective, lightweight, SMART, reconfigurable composite berthing system that reduces installation time and increases system survivability through enhanced fire resistance. The composite berthing system will be comparable in cost, andsize to an aluminum berthing systems. The navy's submarine forces are undergoing transformation in support of current and future needs as outlined in Sea Power 21. The submarine force and surface ships of the future will have many missions which requirethem to accommodate and berth temporary additional personnel. In order to increase the berthing space on ships and submarines, a SMART, reconfigurable lightweight, berth system is needed. This SBIR will design and fabricate a qualified reconfigurableberthing system.