A well-prepared, student-led University of Nebraska–Lincoln Engineering team overcame unexpected challenges to secure a research victory that may help extend the life of U.S. Navy ships.
Through support from the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research, the Nebraska team led by Yongfeng Lu, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, has developed a laser-based system that prevents and repairs corrosion on aluminum-sided ships. Lu’s team has refined the laser system with optimized material processing parameters, making it portable, simpler and safer to operate — a combination that allows it to be used while at sea, granting ships an opportunity to operate longer and reduce frequent and lengthy dry dock repairs.
