Australian submarine and
shipbuilding company ASC has been
awarded the 2012 Engineering Excellence
Award in the category of Innovation Research and Development by the
Engineers Australia South Australia Division for the Submarine Structural Life Validation (SLV) Project.
The innovative project addressed
whole life fatigue and fracture analysis of the Collins Class submarines (CCSMs) allowing for a rapid assessment of
the hull areas, a minimized docking time, an extended boat life and a safer
submarine.
Over eight years ago, ASC
identified that the initial data and analysis used to develop the design life
of the hull structure was not of sufficient level of detail to allow decisions
to be made regarding maintenance efficiencies over the life of the CCSMs.
As a result ASC created a
research and development plan, known as the Hull and Structural Integrity Plan
for assessing these aspects of the CCSM.
This plan defined the need for
research into the Stress Corrosion Cracking, Hydrogen Assisted Cold Cracking,
Corrosion Fatigue, Fracture Toughness, and Residual Stress and the need to
combine these into a comprehensive analysis tool via the Structural Life
Validation (SLV) Project.
The SLV Project has been achieved
through collaboration with external bodies to create a rigorous program of
training, materials testing, research, streamlined computer modelling and
tailored fatigue and fracture assessments.
“This project is a prime example of ASC employees delivering a world-class
solution to deliver the best possible service and value to the Commonwealth,” Dr Margaret Law, ASC’s Innovation
Manager said.
A second submission, the AWD Block Movement Project received a
commendation award in the category of Products and Manufacturing Facilities.
This project involved the transportation of ship modules, known as blocks by
barge from Williamstown, Victoria to the Common User Facility (CUF) at Osborne,
South Australia where they will be consolidated into three of the
most complex warships ever built in Australia.
ASC was awarded the 2012 Engineering Excellence Award in the category of Innovation Research and Development.
