Underwater Diver-Applied Composite Patch Repair for Crack Arresting

Marine aluminum structures across different Navy platforms are prone to cracking, particularly in aluminum hulls. Repairing these cracks by traditional means is costly and time-consuming, and the Navy needs an adaptable and durable solution that can be applied underwater without dry docking the vessel. To address this need, the Texas Research Institute Austin (TRI Austin) proposes an applied research project to develop an underwater composite patch repair (CPR) capability that can be used for short-term emergent repairs or longer-term permanent repairs. The study will investigate different resin formulations, fiber reinforcement materials, patch designs and analysis, mechanical properties, and effectiveness to mitigate crack growth on an aluminum substrate under realistic underwater conditions. The research will also develop a reliable and efficient application method for the patches, using a modified aquarium tank to simulate underwater conditions. The ultimate goal is to identify the most promising patch material and application method to produce a commercial product for underwater composite repair.