Development of Lightweight, Fireproof Composite Joiner Panel for Navy Ship

This phase I SBIR project is focused on the development of lightweight, fireproof, damage-tolerant and affordable composite joiner panels for Navy ship. The Phase I work will demonstrate the feasibility of using WebCore's patented TYCOR fiber reinforcedfoam (FRF) core sandwich panel to meet the structural, fire and cost targets for this application. Phase I work will include composite joiner panel design requirements definition; design and fabrication of TYCOR composite panels; physical, mechanical andfire testing; design of attachments; and an optional task to design and fabricate a prototype joiner panel. WebCore will team up with Newport News Shipbuilding (now part of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems) to obtain the necesary design requirements and alsoto implement the technology in the Navy fleet. The proposed research will provide an affordable solution to the Navy by replacing heavy metal joiner panels with lightweight, fireproof composite panels. Fireproof and damage-tolerant composite panel can beused extensively in Navy ships to reduce the weight and cost of maintenance in many parts such as doors, scuttles and hatches as well as topside structures. The technology developed in this program has broad applications in marine, transportation,construction, industrial and aerospace market.