[PSUBS-MAILIST] FWD: DoD Recognizes Manufacturing Technology Achievements

["Mark Steed" <plutomark@mail.astate.edu>]

May be a little off the submarine track but nevertheless interesting. The LSP(Laser Shock Peening)is, to me, most intriguing. Carsten may have one! Best regards, Mark

Mark E. Steed
Arkansas State University Museum
110 Cooley Drive,PO Box#490
State University, AR 72467-0490 
USA
Tel#(870)972-2074 Fax#(870)972-2793
Email: plutomark@mail.astate.edu



---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: DoD News <dlnews_sender@DTIC.MIL>
Reply-To: DODNEWS-L-request@DTIC.MIL
Date:          Wed, 10 Dec 2003 13:35:11 -0500

No. 932-03
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec 10, 2003
(703)697-5131(media)
(703)428-0711(public/industry)

DoD Recognizes Manufacturing Technology Achievements

     The fifth annual Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Award was
presented to the Laser Additive Manufacturing and Laser Shock Peening (LSP)
initiatives on Dec. 2 at the Defense Manufacturing Conference, Washington, D.C.



     The award recognizes Defense and private sector individuals responsible for
developing innovative manufacturing processes that improve the affordability, cycle
time, readiness and availability of weapon systems and components for warfighter
needs.  Sue Payton, deputy under secretary of defense, advanced systems and
concepts, presented the award.



     The Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) team, consisting of representatives from
Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense Logistics Agency, Pratt and Whitney, AeroMet Corp.,
Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Co., Northrop Grumman and MTS Systems Corp., was
recognized for developing and implementing an innovative manufacturing process that
has given birth to a new industry.



     The process is based on stereolithography, utilizing software to convert a
computer-assisted data file to a sliced format, with parts built one layer at a
time, enabling manufacturing-on-demand.  LAM was applied to aluminum F-15 Strike
Eagle pylon ribs that were failing prematurely.  Action in the Iraq war depleted the
remaining inventory.  Ship sets made from titanium replaced the failed aluminum
components in only two months, meeting the surge demand for aircraft mission
availability, improving safety and extending the pylon part life by a factor of
five.



     The Laser Shock Peening (LSP) team, comprised of representatives from Air
Force, Army, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric Aircraft Engine, LSP Technologies and
AT&T Government Solutions, developed the laser shock peening to increase the
durability of titanium turbine engine fan blades and decrease their sensitivity to
foreign object damage.



     LSP uses a high-energy laser pulse to impart an intense shock wave into the
surface of metal parts, generating compressive stresses which greatly improve
fatigue properties and toughness.  Implementation on turbine engine airfoils has
reduced maintenance costs, improved reliability and safety, resulting in increased
operational availability of combat aircraft.



     Application to engine blades for the B-1B Lancer, F-16 Falcon and F/A-22 Raptor
has avoided over $59 million in costs.  The technology is being evaluated for
transmission gears, turbine engine blades in tanks and other Army ground vehicles
and aircraft landing gear components.

[Web Version: http://www.dod.mil/releases/2003/nr20031210-0752.html]

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