In the ever-evolving world of maritime engineering, a groundbreaking study has emerged from the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering Department. Goran Vukelic, the lead author, has been delving into the effects of the marine environment on welded additively manufactured stainless steel, specifically AISI 316L. The findings, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, could significantly impact how the maritime and offshore industries approach repairs and maintenance.
So, what’s the big deal? Well, additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is revolutionizing the way we create complex, lightweight, and high-performance components. But here’s the kicker: when it comes to the harsh marine environment, how do these additively manufactured metals hold up, especially when welded? That’s precisely what Vukelic and his team set out to investigate.
They submerged three types of welded specimens in the Adriatic Sea for periods ranging from one to six months. The specimens included a mix of additively manufactured (AM) parts, conventionally manufactured (CM) parts, and a combination of both. Once retrieved, the specimens were tested for changes in mass, tensile strength, and surface morphology.
The results? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Conventionally manufactured steel showed better tensile strength recovery in the initial exposure periods. However, the additively manufactured specimens displayed a more balanced performance over time. As Vukelic puts it, “The corrosion rate tends to grow with the duration of exposure for the CM specimens, while it is somewhat balanced for other types of specimens.”
But why does this matter? For the maritime and offshore sectors, the implications are huge. Additive manufacturing offers the potential for rapid, on-site repairs and maintenance, reducing downtime and costs. However, the reliability of these repairs in the corrosive marine environment is crucial. This study highlights the need for further research and understanding of how AM materials behave in real-world conditions.
The commercial impacts are clear. As the maritime industry continues to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, understanding the long-term performance of these materials is essential. This research paves the way for more robust and reliable use of additive manufacturing in marine applications, from shipbuilding to offshore structures.
Moreover, the study opens up opportunities for further research. Vukelic suggests that future studies could look into the number of corrosion pits formed, prolonged exposure periods, and different marine environments. He also mentions the need to compare the results of specimens exposed to natural marine environments with those undergoing standardised accelerated corrosion tests in the laboratory.
In essence, this research is a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of how additively manufactured materials can be safely and effectively used in the maritime and offshore industries. It’s a call to action for further investigation and a testament to the potential of additive manufacturing in transforming the way we approach marine engineering.
So, what’s next? For maritime professionals, staying abreast of these developments is crucial. As the industry continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of the materials and technologies that drive it. Keep an eye on the work coming out of the University of Rijeka and other leading institutions. The future of maritime engineering is additive, and it’s happening now.
