The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Plastics Shipbuilding
Abstract
If the 19th century transition from wood to iron had not taken place and if shipbuilders were now confronted with steel for the first time, it is plausible that some would say: Steel ships, you've got to be kidding! Steel is heavy and it rusts like hell in seawater. What is more it is a conductor we already have enough grief from electrocutions, grounds and electrolytic action. We would need a lot more energy for cutting and welding. Besides, with welding glare and fumes plus gouging and fitting noise, there is no way OSHA would approve! But more knowledge would disclose the advantages which justify steel as the prime structural material in ships. While plastics have been introduced, their use is very limited compared to their potential for improving shipbuilders productivity. As in the example given above, assessment of a proposed application is frequently curtailed by tradition or lack of understanding of available data. Similarly, more knowledge about plastics will disclose facts which will justify their greater use in ships. Unlike steel, plastics: are light in weight, do not rust like hell in seawater nor in certain acids, are nonconductive but can be made conductive, are less energy intensive, and do not impose in-process problems with glare, fumes and noise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA454680
Entities
People
- J. A. Melchore
- J. F. Curtis
- L. D. Chirillo
- P. T. Whiting
- R. F. Heady