Mine Warfare Environmental Data Analysis and Fusion System (MEDAFS)

Not Available Deck edge safety nets surround the perimeter of surface ships and are critical to the prevention of crew injury or loss of life. The nets prevent personnel knocked down by helicopter downwash or jet blast from falling into the ocean or on to the next lower deck. Current material is nylon impregnated with neoprene latex. Due to a short service life, material replacement and installation costs are 92% of the life cycle costs. Texas Research Institute Austin will team with Murdock Webbing Company, Inc. to produce the most economical and longest lasting material for safety nets. Advanced nylon and polyester fibers are available with high tenacity and high modulus that also meet the cost restraints of the project. Dyes and coating for fibers that show enhanced UV resistance will be identified and incorporated into the webbing for better resistance to degradation due to sunlight. Candidate materials will be exposed to UV radiation and salt-water spray then tested for physical properties to determine their physical attributes.