Dimensional Management in Shipbuilding: A Case Study From the Northrup Grumman Ship Systems Lightweight Structures Project

This paper gives an overview of some of the activities at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS) related to improving dimensional management procedures in support of the production of lightweight steel ship structures. Specifically, this paper discusses a survey on overall dimensional management practices at NGSS, a general examination of residual stress relief methods for steel plates prior to part cutting, and simulation of the impact of different plate part fabrication processes on unit/block critical dimensions. All of these efforts are contributing to the improvement of lightweight structures production and general quality practices at NGSS.