Elastomeric Composite Dock Fenders

Elastomeric rendering systems have become the state-of-the-art in dockside fenders within the last two decades. These fenders have a variety of shapes and designs and predominately use modified rubbers. These fenders are generally reliable. However, two factors serve to limit their potential. They are frequently designed based on rules of thumb and will work most efficiently for a certain class of ship. Also, the modified rubber materials will experience property degradation over time due to the effects of temperature, oxygen, sunlight and ozone attack. Therefore the effectiveness over time is at issue. A poorly functioning dock fender can cause expensive damage to both docks and ships. Foster-Miller proposes to develop advanced elastomeric composite fenders that combine both highly damage tolerant, energy absorbing elastomeric composite materials (such as developed by the Navy) and unique fender designs that optimize the energy absorbing characteristics of these fenders. The Phase I program will include techniques to incorporate "smart" fenders (i.e., fenders whose compliance varies as a function of impact energy) that minimize damage to both docks and ships. The nation's largest developer of elastomeric fenders, Trellex Morse, and one of the Navy's principal shipbuilders, Bath Iron Works, are team members in the Phase I program.