Lucideon partners with US NNL
Image courtesy Lucideon / NNL
Working with NNL in support of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Lucideon will contribute to research into the Powder Metallurgical - Hot Isostatic Pressing (PM-HIP) process, which uses high pressure and elevated temperatures to densify materials.
From its two US sites, Greenville, South Carolina and Schenectady, New York State, Lucideon will evaluate the thermal, physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of a Nickel-based superalloy, which has undergone the PM-HIP process over a wide range of processing conditions.
Lucideon's work will be supported by its partner Dynamic Systems Incorporated (DSI), which has more than 60 years’ experience in the thermophysical simulations of materials, while complex evaluation of the material’s thermal diffusivity and expansion will be overseen from Lucideon’s base in Staffordshire (UK Midlands), working from the new high-technology AMRICC Centre.
The project will be led by NNL's Reactor Equipment Development unit, which is currently working to develop innovative manufacturing methods to enable new designs in support of the next generation of US Navy reactors.
Tony Kinsella, CEO of Lucideon said: "NNL is driving forward the development of this technology in an effort to supplement conventional forging for large, high-value, metallic components required within nuclear propulsion systems.
"Increasing production volumes for submarines and surface ships are putting stress on existing supply chains and this technology offers an opportunity to expand capacity and reduce the significant lead times that exist today.
"Under the 12-month programme, we will be drawing on our world-leading material science testing and assurance capabilities, expertise and technologies to enable and accelerate the R&D activity.
"Ultimately this will provide the robust data NNL needs to fully characterise the PM-HIP process.
"This is a highly complex project, which has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the US Navy nuclear-powered fleet.
Lucideon holds a market-leading position as a development and commercialisation organisation (DCO) with a global service portfolio, bringing together innovation and commercial knowledge to deliver significant advantage to its clients.
Its expertise spans the nuclear sector, in areas including new materials development and selection, comprehensive testing and analysis and additive manufacturing support.
The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has cradle-to-grave responsibility for all naval nuclear propulsion matters and includes civilian and military personnel who design, build, operate, maintain, and manage the nuclear-powered ships and other facilities of the US nuclear-powered naval Fleet.
With a team of almost 8,000 engineers, scientists, technicians and support personnel, NNL’s mission is to develop the most advanced naval nuclear propulsion technology and to provide technical support for the continued safe, reliable operation of all existing naval reactors.
