Newport News Shipbuilding Research Articles

The Navy and Newport News: A Case Study of a Monopoly-Monopsony Duet

The U.S. Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding have between them created an unusual – probably unique – monopoly-monopsony duet, in this case for construction and refueling of nuclear aircraft carriers. Monopoly-monopsony dynamics captured a modest amount of theoretical attention, beginning with Francis Y. Edgeworth in the late 19th century. These analyses generally agreed such markets required a kind of collaboration between buyer and seller unlike the usual dynamic of competitive or monopoly-multiple customer markets. This conclusion is tested and confirmed through a story of the history of the formation of the Navy-Newport News monopoly-monopsony duet.

Skilled Immigrants and American Industrialization: Lessons from Newport News Shipyard

In the late nineteenth century, American shipyards started building modern metal ships, a sector dominated by the British. But, they faced a challenge: a shortage of domestic workers with the skills to fabricate large metal ships. Using census of population data, this article describes how one important U.S. shipyard, Newport News Shipbuilding, overcame the shortage of skilled domestic workers to assemble an effective labor force. The results show that skilled immigrants, mainly from Britain, played an important role in the shipyard's early life while, over time, native workers were trained to fill skilled occupations.

The GA-ACO Method Applied to Engineering Design

The purpose of this paper is to describe refinements to the recently developed GA-ACO method and to show its application to a real world engineering design problem. The GA-ACO method is a genetic algorithm with a new operator, called an ACO operator. ACO stands for Ant Colony Optimization. The ACO operator uses pheromone trails, a method from Ant Colony Optimization to influence the genetic algorithm. The GA-ACO method is used to optimize an engineering design. Engineers produce a preliminary design for a system using a CAD tool. The output of the CAD tool is then translated into a design graph. Many additional characteristics of the design can be represented by labels on the design graph. The GA-ACO method is then used to optimize these labels. This technique can be applied widely to many design optimization problems. The application considered in this paper concerns optimization of designs for efficient assembly. It uses problems in engineering design encountered at Newport News Shipbuilding, the largest shipyard in the United States. We present a comparison of variations of the GA-ACO method with a standard genetic algorithm for this type of problem.

The Pendulum of Congressional Power: Agenda Change, Partisanship and the Demise of the Post-World War II Foreign Policy Consensus

Many scholars contend that Congress rarely matters in the realm of foreign policy. The source of this collective impotence is often explained by the weaknesses in congressional institutions vis-a-vis the president, as well as a general inability to respond effectively to a dynamic international political environment. We contend that the debate over congressional activism has not adequately addressed the role of agenda change. We analyze all roll call votes in the House of Representatives relating to the international affairs agenda between 1953 and 1998. We find that presidents have become significantly more likely to stake out positions on economic and trade issues as compared to other international issues. We also observe that presidential positions in the realm of foreign policy are increasingly characterized by interparty and interinstitutional conflict. While this increased conflict has dramatically decreased the president's ability to successfully pass executive priorities in foreign affairs more generally, presidential success on economic and trade issues has witnessed a significantly greater decline. We infer from these results that changes to the foreign policy issue agenda represent one important factor that has affected not only the incentives for political parties to participate actively, but also the willingness of Congress to challenge the president in the foreign policy debate.Asked one day whether it was true that the navy yard in his district was too small to accommodate the latest battleships. Henry Stimson (chair of the House Naval Affairs Committee early in the century) replied, 'That is true, and that is the reason I have always been in favor of small ships.'1Carriers have been, are and will be for the foreseeable future an absolutely essential part of our deterrence force…2John Warner, senator from Virginia, home state of Newport News Shipbuilding

Merging CAD with IT

This article highlights the various processes involved in shipbuilding such as design, production planning, material sourcing, and outfitting. Since the program’s inception, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), has leveraged its computer-aided- design, -manufacturing, and –engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) system and IT infrastructure to successfully revitalize its engineering environment and remain profitable in a rapidly changing marketplace. NNS engineers perform all of their ship product modeling using a proprietary program called VIVID, a design system that enables users to concurrently design structures in a multidisciplinary environment. As part of the continuing effort to develop its IT infrastructure and automate production processes, NNS has invested $60 million in upgrading its engineering design systems and automating manufacturing facilities with advanced material-handling systems, robotic cutting work cells, and robotic welding work cells. NNS is also transitioning its product-modeling systems from a Unix workstation environment to Windows NT platforms based on Microsoft’s ActiveX and COM technologies.

Zero Leakage Tornado Effect Pumps in Carrier Sewage Systems

ABSTRACT Current centrifugal pumps installed in CVN 68 class sewage collection, holding, and transfer (CHT) systems experience a high rate of seal failures. A CHT pump seal failure requires a significant maintenance effort. In addition, seal leakage releases sewage material into the CHT pump room in violation of Navy health regulations.Efforts to develop improved pump seals have met with less than satisfactory results. An effort was undertaken to identify an alternate pump design that meets the zero external leakage criteria. This effort identified the Eddy Pump, which is gaining increased recognition for its performance in civilian applications.This new pump departs from conventional centrifugal pump design principles in that the pump rotor is able to create and harness a dynamic fluid eddy effect within the pump housing and inlet. This effect is similar to that which occurs in a tornado. A very strong synchronized central column flow develops from the pump rotor to the pump inlet and creates a low pressure reverse eddy flow from the pump inlet to the pump discharge. This results in a region of negative pressure in the vicinity of the pump seal. The seal design allows one way passage of externally supplied low pressure air through the shaft seal toward the pump casing (volute) to oppose the ingress of sewage.This paper is a condensation and combination of two reports. These reports are: (1) Myers, S. and R. Keltner, “CHT Pump Trade‐Off Studies: CVN 76,” prepared by Newport News Shipbuilding under contract N00024‐91‐C‐2108, Task 2318T‐74, January 1993, and (2) Schepis, R. and J. Crew, “Eddy Pump Performance,” Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia Site, Serial 631/110, May 1995.

Impact of Simulation-Based Design on Today's Shipbuilders

The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) sponsored the development of a prototype of the n rt-generation ship design system. The results of the project, titled Simulation-Based Design (SBD), were demonstrated in June of 1994. Based on its success and on the benefits it offers over today's systems, ARPA has initiated a new program to full)' develop SBD. The goal is to create a virtual environment in which a ship can be totally designed, manufactured, operated, and evaluated before a single plate is cut, part is ordered, or piece of equipment is purchased. The ramifications of such a tool are widespread across both the commercial and naval shipbuilding markets, and SBD will, undoubtedly, lead to changes in the way we do business. Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) was a partner on one of the teams responsible for developing one of the two prototypes considered by ARPA. As such, they have had an opportunity to weigh the impact of such a system in today's marketplace. This paper discusses some of the capabilities that SBD will provide to shipbuilders of the future, especially in the areas of concurrent design, coupled analyses (e.g., seakeeping and structural analysis), digital mockups, and manufacturing simulation.

The Development of Permeable Membrane Air Dehydrators for the U.S. Navy

ABSTRACTAs part of a program to eliminate chronic, shipboard, low pressure air dehydrator problems a Navy‐industry team consisting of the Navy, Newport News Shipbuilding and a permeable membrane manufacturer has developed a new generation of permeable membrane air dehydration equipment to replace the complex and unreliable desiccant units currently used. Permeable membrane dehydration is a new technology utilizing new polysulfone, semipermeable polymeric membranes specially designed to perform molecular separation of gaseous mixtures. This process has proven to be extremely reliable and cost effective. The successful development of the permeable membrane dehydrator from an SBIR concept to shipboard units is described. A review of the current dehydrators and system history that drove this program, and the benefits and payoffs of the new equipment, are presented. Results of the laboratory evaluation, shipboard evaluation and the fleet transition plan are addressed.

A Comparison of Alternative Bow Configurations

Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) has been preparing for a reentry into the commercial shipbuilding market for several years. Those preparations resulted in the signing of a contract in October of 1994 with Eletson Corporation for the construction of two (with an option for an additional two)46500 dwt product carriers. This is the first contract for a U.S. shipyard to build commercial ships for a foreign owner in 37 years. In developing the hull form for the standard product carrier Double Eagle, NNS performed studies to determine the economic and hydrodynamic effects of alternative bow configurations on a representative modern, high-block tanker. The objectives of the study were to update the NNS commercial ship speed-power database, investigate the application of state of the art computer software, and create a bow design which strikes a balance between hydrodynamic performance and producibility. To achieve these goals, NNS worked with SAIC to use the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) SLAW software to mathematically analyze several candidate bows. These designs were then model tested at the Swedish State Model Basin in Gothenburg to validate the results of the CFD codes. Construction costs were then estimated for each design and finally, the bow forms were compared on an overall economic basis.

DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS

By diversifying its business to the global commercial market from domestic defense, Newport News Shipbuilding is repositioning for long‐term growth.

New System to Control Magnetic Arc Blow in Welding

Welding of magnetized steels has long been a problem in the welding industry. When welding is attempted in the presence of a magnetic field, the welding arc becomes deflected. This phenomenon is known as arc blow. Arc blow can cause significant weld defects, it can reduce productivity, and it is frustrating to the welder. Sometimes weld joint magnetism is so great that control methods must be used to produce a satisfactory weld. In 1991, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) developed and built six magnetic field negators (patent applied for) for their welding department. Each unit consists of a small hand-carried electromagnet and power supply that operates off any standard 110/120 volt ac power source. The lightweight system is designed to counteract magnetic fields up to 200 milli-tesla (mT) (2000 gauss) across a 13 mm (0.5 in.) weld joint in 25-mm-thick (1 in.) steel. Through laboratory and production testing, the magnetic field negator has demonstrated the ability to neutralize local areas of high residual magnetism, resulting in a considerable reduction of magnetism-related weld quality problems.

Training Shipbuilders with the Classroom of the Future

To achieve the quality and productivity gains necessary to compete successfully in a global market, shipbuilders must prepare employees to apply diverse principles to complex problems. Rote learning of facts is no longer a useful paradigm for training employees to accomplish a wide range of shipbuilding jobs. Imagine a classroom where the instructor has the ability to monitor the trainee's level of comprehension and motivation, even as the presentation is underway. This same classroom provides the instructor with instantaneous control over a complete suite of advanced instructional equipment and environmental conditions. Newport News Shipbuilding has used the interactive technologies provided by such a classroom, combined with group facilitation methods, to significantly improve pass rates in a trades radiological control training program from 67% to 89%. One result of this improved pass rate is that retraining requirements in this program have been reduced by 67%. This paper describes the use of this Advanced Technology Classroom (ATC) to meet customer requirements to upgrade classroom performance of radiological control employees. The customer's challenge, our review of the available technology, and the characteristics of the ATC are discussed. The effects of organizational variables, normative change in the classroom, and relevant research concerning the use of interactive instructional technology are also covered. Finally, the implications of the ATC for other shipyard training are addressed.

Design Validation Using Computer Models in Lieu of Full-Scale Mockups

For many years the complexity of submarine design has required the construction of full-scale mockups to integrate the system designs, plan the construction, and verify the operability. In the late 1980's, computer technology evolved to allow ship design to be accomplished by developing comprehensive mathematical models of the ship's arrangement. Imaging of these models creates a virtual reality of the ship's interior. This paper explores the features of this technology that emulate the function of the physical mockup, discusses experience to date in the SEAWOLF design at Newport News Shipbuilding in applying CAD technology as a mockup alternative, and looks to the opportunities that are available in the near term.

The Design of the FF-21 Multi-Mission Frigate

The FF-21 concept has been developed by Newport News Shipbuilding, with team partners John J. McMullen Associates as design agent and Hughes Aircraft Company as combat system integrator. This paper discusses the mission of this small combatant ship, its design philosophy, and the overall technical approach used in development of the concept. Principal characteristics, combat system components, capabilities, and HM&E features of the concept design are described. Finally, this paper discusses FF-21 configuration and arrangement considerations during concept development.

Test and evaluation of the Seawolf class submarine bow sonar arrays at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Seneca Lake Detachment

The U.S. Navy’s newest and largest submarine bow sonar arrays recently underwent acoustic and vibration measurements at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) test facility at Seneca Lake, Dresden, New York. The Seawolf class bow assembly, a 150-ton full-scale front end for the Seawolf class submarine (SSN 21), was built by Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) and delivered to NUWC Seneca Lake via the New York State Canal System in May 1990. Upon the assembly’s arrival at Seneca Lake, NUWC and NNS personnel made use of shore-based support facilities to convert the assembly into a test fixture. The test and evaluation of the Seawolf bow fixture (SBF) were performed at the NUWC systems measurement platform, which is a floating measurements laboratory stationed approximately at the middle of Seneca Lake. The SBF sonar arrays were tested at depths of up to 200 ft. The measurements included passive and active array acoustic calibrations, horizontal and vertical beam patterns, and vibration tests. A description of the NUWC Seneca Lake facilities that supported the test preparations, test configurations, and data collection is presented.

Reduced Fillet Weld Sizes for Naval Ships

Recently, Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton updated its fillet weld design practices for naval ship construction. This task was part of a continuing effort to improve accuracy control by decreasing weld-caused distortion. Recent material properties and a more rigorous engineering analysis were used to reduce the required fillet sizes by about 25 percent for steel and about 50 percent for aluminum. The analysis method was developed for the Navy at Newport News Shipbuilding during the 1970's. Intermittent weld tables were developed and, where utilized, proved to be a very cost-effective distortion control measure. Reducing the amount of weld reduces distortion and economically improves accuracy control. Fabrications costs were significantly reduced. This paper reviews the methods and properties used to develop and implement the new weld tables. The benefits to distortion control and construction costs are also discussed.

A Review of Research to Aid the Development of Commercial Arctic Marine Transportation: 1982 Trafficability Tests on the USCGC Polar Star

A multi-year "trafficability" research program was begun in 1978 to demonstrate that year-round commercial marine transportation in Arctic waters is feasible and to collect data necessary to begin developing the criteria to design and operate marine vehicles for that environment. Using U.S. Coast Guard Polar Class icebreakers, annual winter deployments had been made in 1979, 1980, and 1981 into the Bering and Chukchi Seas to collect environmental and ship performance data. Early in 1982, the fourth phase of these research activities was conducted on the USCGC Polar Star in western Alaskan waters as far north as the Arctic Circle. Participants in the research were the Maritime Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of Alaska, the Canadian Ministry of Transport, twelve participating companies of the Alaskan Oil and Gas Association, and the Newport News Shipbuilding Company. This paper reviews the results of this voyage and the data collected. The Polar Star was instrumented to continuously monitor and record propulsion and ship motion parameters and speed. Video recording equipment was used to document ice conditions. Extensive on-ice equipment was used to profile ice features and to measure other ice parameters. Numerous pressure ridges were profiled and ice cores taken to improve the understanding of Bering and Chukchi Sea winter ice conditions and ice strength. Level ice resistance tests were conducted. However, heavy level ice conditions were not encountered and it is planned to complete the level ice resistance tests in 1984. Other research tasks included an ice edge analysis, hull friction experiments, and an ice drift study.

CMX Designs—Merchant Ships for the '70's

A brief review of the CMX project undertaken by the Maritime Administration serves as an introduction to the preliminary ship designs developed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company and Bath Iron Works Corporation. A series of five benchmark ships designed by MarAd is also presented.

Computer Simulation Applied to Facility Design and Performance Evaluation

This paper describes how a computerized simulation model was utilized to evaluate initially the design and later the performance of the new Steel Fabrication Shop of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Included are descriptions of the model and its development, the shop, and exhibits which are illustrative of model output.

A MERCURY SHAFT SEAL*

Journal of the American Society for Naval EngineersVolume 62, Issue 2 p. 349-364 A MERCURY SHAFT SEAL* JOHN W. SAWYER, JOHN W. SAWYER JOHN W. SAWYER graduated from N. C. State College in 1933 with a B.S. degree in E.E. He then served a number of years in the merchant marine and later received a B.S.M.E. degree from Ohio State University. In 1942 he entered the Navy. Since release to inactive duty, he has been engaged in gear development work in the Turbine and Gear Branch, Bureau of Ships, Department of the Navy. He devised the basic seal described in this article.Search for more papers by this authorLYNDON CRAWFORD, LYNDON CRAWFORD THE AUTHORS LYNDON CRAWFORD attended Harvard University for three years and transferred to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a B.S. degree from the latter institution in 1938 in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. From 1938 to 1945 he was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. largely in the Hull Technical Division of that company. In 1945 he moved to The Glenn L. Martin Company where he served as a senior stress analyst. In 1947 he became associated with the S. Morgan Smith Company in its Special Products Section. He joined Reed Research, Inc., in 1948.Search for more papers by this author JOHN W. SAWYER, JOHN W. SAWYER JOHN W. SAWYER graduated from N. C. State College in 1933 with a B.S. degree in E.E. He then served a number of years in the merchant marine and later received a B.S.M.E. degree from Ohio State University. In 1942 he entered the Navy. Since release to inactive duty, he has been engaged in gear development work in the Turbine and Gear Branch, Bureau of Ships, Department of the Navy. He devised the basic seal described in this article.Search for more papers by this authorLYNDON CRAWFORD, LYNDON CRAWFORD THE AUTHORS LYNDON CRAWFORD attended Harvard University for three years and transferred to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a B.S. degree from the latter institution in 1938 in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. From 1938 to 1945 he was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. largely in the Hull Technical Division of that company. In 1945 he moved to The Glenn L. Martin Company where he served as a senior stress analyst. In 1947 he became associated with the S. Morgan Smith Company in its Special Products Section. He joined Reed Research, Inc., in 1948.Search for more papers by this author First published: May 1950 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-3584.1950.tb02835.x * Patent Pending. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume62, Issue2May 1950Pages 349-364 RelatedInformation