Titanium shipbuilding explored

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The University of New Orleans has been awarded a three-year $4.8 million grant from the Office of Naval Research to advance the science and technology of titanium shipbuilding. The research will focus on the manufacturability and structural performance of a titanium mid-ship section. Both material requirements and advanced welding processes will be investigated. Titanium is more resistant to corrosion than traditional structural steels and aluminum alloys, but lacks robust welding and joining techniques. (Source: Media-Newswire, 11/23/10)