Composite research grant could help SEALs

[unhappycamper]

Composite research grant could help SEALs
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 8, 2010 11:29:28 EST

BOOTHBAY, Maine — A Maine shipbuilder that’s using composites to reduce the beating Navy SEALs take on high-speed patrol boats is getting a boost from the federal government.

The Office of Naval Research has awarded a $600,000 contract to Maine Marine Composites to improve software used to predict the slamming forces experienced by special operations patrol boats.

The current Mark V aluminum patrol craft sprints to 60 mph but SEALs take a beating as it slams through the waves, causing bruises, bumps, sprained ankles and sore backs.

The Maine contractor built an all-composite version that reduces slamming forces. The software updates will help naval architects better predict shock and vibration characteristics across a larger range of vessels.


Article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/01/ap_navy_seals_composite_research_010810/