Project Description:
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWC) requires an in-house metallic erosion evaluation device to assess the erosion resistance of various metal alloys. Currently, NSWC outsources this testing to the Air Force Research Lab in Dayton, Ohio, at an average cost of $4,000 per day. This process limits their control over test parameters such as impact angle and velocity. To reduce costs and increase flexibility, NSWC aims to integrate a commercially available sandblaster into a fully autonomous device capable of performing reproducible and precise tests under varying conditions. Such a device would allow NSWC to collect preliminary data quickly, helping to identify ideal materials before more extensive evaluation at external facilities.
This device will support the development of more erosion-resistant components for military hovercrafts, which often operate in sand-heavy environments that degrade blade materials rapidly. According to internal sources, hovercraft blades can cost $5,000–6,000 each and experience significant wear after just one day of operation. By enabling in-house testing of coatings and alloys, NSWC hopes to extend blade life and reduce replacement costs, improving overall system durability and performance in abrasive conditions.
