An artistic rendering of the pressure hulls of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines, consisting of many steel plates joined by precision manual or robotic welding methods.Image courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Scientists have turned to neutron beams to help protect the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines so they can endure some of the most extreme pressure and temperature conditions on Earth. Researchers have found that neutron scattering techniques, unlike X-rays, can penetrate deeply into thick metals without damaging them.
PhD student and researcher Caruso states that “the goal is to have a model that accurately predicts when welding conditions can cause cracking and understand how to avoid or minimize those conditions.”
Learn more on Interesting Engineering.
A group of seven members of the USS Cincinnati Submarine Memorial Association took part in a ceremony in West Chester on 7 January 2026. Image…
PCU Idaho departs Groton, CT. after successfully completed Alpha and Bravo sea trials. Image courtesy of the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of…
The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) transits the Hood Canal as the boat returns home to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Image courtesy LCDR…
