In-Situ Hydraulic Ram Repair

Problem: Many vital shipboard control systems, such as rudders and diving planes, are driven by hydraulic rams. When these rams are scored or damaged, they must be removed, repaired ashore and then returned and re-installed on the ship.

Solution: Electrospark deposition (ESD) shows promise as being an acceptable way to perform onboard ship repairs of these large, critical devices. MTTC and NSWC/CD will perform this effort.

Benefits

Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:

Minimum annual:          $900 K

Minimum 15 Year:   $13,500 K

Fleet Impact: While damage to hydraulic rams may not be preventable, repair using ESD could save as much as 75% of the current time used to repair ashore. It also avoids additional damage caused while moving the rams around.

Status: Ongoing

The laboratory process verification test had to be conducted on a fleet asset diving plane rod. Therefore, the process had to be approved prior to testing since the rod would eventually be issued to the fleet. This caused a change in the program plan since approval must proceed test instead of using testing to obtain process approval. Full approval must be obtained before the ESD system is used onboard a submarine.

Applications:

Surface Ship and Submarine hydraulic rams used in all applications.