Traditionally, accuracy control in shipbuilding has focused on the production stages of the process. The product definition stage has been typically viewed as being a static process with respect to accuracy control. This approach can be attributed to limitations in technology. For two decades the automotive and aerospace industries have used computer simulation during product design to assess the impact of part and assembly dimensional variation on producibility. The application of this technology in shipbuilding has the potential to allow shipbuilders to predict and resolve dimensional problems at the product definition stage.

DCS has already developed variation simulation analysis tools (used in automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing industry) that model the effect of variation on an assembly, determine the robustness of design from the perspective of dimensional management, and test alternative tolerancing schemes.  These are true 3D modeling tools that visually depict variation in design, and statistically simulate production of virtual assemblies.

However, there are some critical dimensional variation issues related to weld shrinkage and distortion that are very specific to shipbuilding industry. The primary objective of this SBIR Phase II project is to evolve DCS�s technology to simplify the modeling of dimensional effects associated with weld shrinkage and distortion. We believe that it is possible to dramatically reduce the effort and time associated with modeling the dimensional effects of weld shrinkage and distortion, which will make the use of dimensional variation modeling, simulation, and analysis tools much more cost effective for the shipbuilding industry. It is anticipated that at the end of Phase II, a shipbuilding-specific version of this technology will be ready for commercialization.

In this effort, Mr. Mark Spicknall of the University of Michigan will be providing technical research support. Bender Shipbuilding has agreed to be a Beta Site for this development work. In addition, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Ingalls Shipyard will provide informational support for this effort. As this tool is going to be developed specially for the shipbuilding industry, we would be very encouraged and delighted if more shipyards and ship design firms would like to participate in some way. Ramesh Kumar of DCS is the Project Manager and can be contacted at Tel: (248) 786-0145 and email: kumarr@3dcs.com.

The purpose of DoD's SBIR programs is to harness the innovative talents of nation's small technology companies for U.S. military and economic strength.  The Navy's (ONR) SBIR Program is primarily a mission oriented program providing companies the opportunity become part of the national technology base that can feed both the military and private sectors of the nation. To that end the Navy incorporates into its Phase II component the emphasis on the small business need to market its technology to both military and private sectors. Mr. John Carney of the Office of Naval Research is our point of contact for this project.