J. D. Tirpak, Advanced Technology Institute, North Charleston, SC; J. Beatty, United States Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD
The Vanadium Technology Program is a cooperative agreement to investigate, develop and deploy vanadium micro alloyed steels in US Army applications. In the first year of this multiyear program the partnership investigated a variety of case studies to explore the potential of improving system mobility (transportation systems) or system hardening or strengthening (civil engineering applications) via the application of vanadium microalloyed steels. The results of the first year of case studies guided the partnership to further develop applications involving spiral welded pipe, long span structures, forged truck components, stamped ammunition packaging, and formed trailer components. The preliminary results of these case studies will be highlighted has they transition from the investigation stage to the development stage. Full implementation of this program will expand the application of this class of steels into new markets.
Summary: The Vanadium Technology Program is a multi-year cooperative agreement which is investigating, developing and deploying vanadium micro-alloyed steels in a variety of US Army applications. The current project portfolio addresses mobility and civil engineering applications within the US Army.