Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division Custom Welding Wire

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The contract is issued by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) in support of a collaborative project with Johns Hopkins University (JHU). The project focuses on the development of custom aluminum wire feedstock for use in Naval wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) systems. The goal is to enhance precipitation and grain refinement through an Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) alloy development approach, specifically targeting the formation of stable equiaxed microstructures. Work Details The contractor will focus on Task 2 of the collaborative project, which includes two main subtasks: 1) Assisting in deploying ICME tools and optimizing results to develop second phases (intermetallic primary phases, dispersoids, and precipitates) to produce an equiaxed grain morphology; 2) Producing the alloys designed in Task 2 Subtask 1 for autogenous bead-on-plate weld screening at NSWCCD and characterization at JHU. The contractor will also collaborate with NSWCCD to design alloys that promote a fine, homogeneous grain structure during weld solidification. This involves screening alloy compositions through two iterations of modeling and experimentation. Additionally, solidification modeling tools such as Scheil solidification, Columnar to Equiaxed Transition (CET), and Crack Susceptibility Coefficient (CSC) will be utilized. The contractor must produce custom aluminum extrusion plates and welding wire according to specified dimensions and tolerances. Period of Performance The contract period extends from award through 2028. Place of Performance Contractor's facility.