Elastomeric Composite Bumpers

Production Products proposes to design and develop novel marine impact bumpers for dual use military/commercial markets using highly abrasion resistant and damage tolerant elastomeric matrix composites developed by Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWC-CD). We will build upon extensive research/development that has already been performed by the Naval community in fender/bumper design. This effort will focus on the unique properties of elastomeric matrix composites and how they can be integrated into existing bumper/fender designs or utilized in new designs. Production Products will develop a uniquely tailored bumper design concept capable of long life and optimum energy dissipation under impact of both large and small vessels. Key to design of affordable elastomeric matrix composite (EMC) fender/bumper systems, is using low cost manufacturing processes. Design options will be heavily influenced by affordable processing approaches for EMC materials to produce high quality bumpers at low cost. Production Products will build on our previous experience fabricating fiber/polyurethane composites for NSWC and ARPA. In Phase I we will identify system requirements, design criteria, and candidate designs. We will also characterize EMC materials mechanical and energy absorbing properties and perform a trade study to down select to a single optimized concept and two potential fabrication approaches for full scale development and commercialization in Phases II and III.