Improving shock resistance of marine structures

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The ultimate goal of my research program is to introduce novel designs of marine structures that are safer than the structures currently used in that they can better withstand shock waves caused by underwater explosions, both accidental and man-made. Accomplishing this goal will make operating in our coastal waters safer and will contribute to a better protection of the lives of the thousands of Canadians that earn their living working on offshore platforms and ships. Not less importantly, the consequences of accidents involving marine structures are usually very grave, and often have detrimental and long-term environmental impacts. Introducing more shock-resistant marine structures will reduce the environmental risk associated with the offshore industry, thus contributing to protecting our natural environment and preserving it for future generations. The explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and the subsequent oil spill that caused the environmental damage of epic proportions are a clear indication of the immediate need for safer, more explosion-resistant marine structures. The research initiative proposed here will contribute to making such novel structures a reality. The research initiative proposed will be carried out at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. With the Halifax Shipyard recently awarded a $25 billion contract to build combat ships for the Canadian Navy, Dalhousie University is a particularly suitable place to undertake the proposed research program, for two reasons. First, the proximity of such a major shipbuilding operation will allow for a faster, much more direct impact of my research program on designing and manufacturing of state-of-the-art ships. Second, being involved in a research project with such a direct industrial relevance will be very attractive to potential graduate students, thus allowing me to recruit the best research personnel available. I have already introduced a number of promising shock-reduction ideas for submerged structures. I will use them as a foundation for modifying the existing marine systems in ways that will ensure their superior resistance to explosions, thus providing their improved survivability. As a result, I will deliver novel designs of marine structures that will improve the safety of our offshore industry and navy. Such new designs will provide constructive safety improvement which will be in effect 24/7 for the lifetime of a structure. Thus, they will incur relatively little cost, as opposed to the considerable resources required for implementing operational safety measures. Therefore, the success of the research program I am proposing will not only lead to developing new technology but will also result in cost savings. Furthermore, it will contribute to advancing the knowledge of the interaction between fluids and structures, something that is of significant importance to many areas of engineering today.