Smart Material is excited to announce its participation in Kimiko, a new R&D project launched in collaboration with Navantia to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the naval industry: marine corrosion. This project aims to model vessel corrosion and develop new, more resistant steel alloys using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) and materials science advancements.
The Urgency of Addressing Marine Corrosion
Marine environments are highly corrosive, constantly degrading the structural integrity of ships, including their hulls and internal piping systems. Corrosion not only leads to expensive maintenance and repairs but also threatens the safety and durability of vessels. The Kimiko project aims to provide a comprehensive solution to these issues by developing advanced AI models that predict corrosion and create materials with enhanced resistance.
AI-Powered Solutions for Corrosion Prediction and Prevention
The Kimiko project’s core revolves around the Smart Material AI platform‘s application to predict and prevent vessel corrosion. Using historical environmental data and experimental results, the project will develop machine learning models capable of predicting how different environmental conditions—such as temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, and pH—affect steel corrosion in ships over time. The goal is to create a dynamic corrosion prediction model that accounts for the conditions a vessel will encounter based on its route and operational schedule.
Developing Corrosion-Resistant Materials
In addition to predictive modeling, Kimiko focuses on developing new materials and protective coatings. The AI platform will be used to design new steel alloys that are more corrosion-resistant and innovative coatings for vessel hulls and internal structures. By simulating the corrosion process at the atomic level through molecular dynamics, the AI-driven platform will generate and test new materials, speeding up the discovery of high-performance solutions that can withstand the harsh marine environment.
A Comprehensive Approach to Corrosion Management
The Kimiko project offers a multi-tiered strategy:
- Environmental Prediction: AI models will predict vessel conditions during its journey, allowing for proactive corrosion management.
- Dynamic Corrosion Prediction: The platform will predict how materials will degrade under different environmental conditions using experimental corrosion data.
- Atomic-Level Simulations: Molecular dynamics simulations will replicate corrosion processes at the atomic scale, aiding in the development of more resilient materials.
- New Material Discovery: The AI will generate new steel alloys and protective coatings optimized for corrosion resistance.
- Experimental Validation: Promising materials will undergo real-world testing to validate their performance.
Paving the Way for More Durable and Sustainable Vessels
By integrating AI, materials science, and engineering expertise, the Kimiko project is set to revolutionize how the naval industry manages corrosion. The development of more durable materials will not only reduce maintenance costs but also enhance the longevity and safety of vessels. Smart Material is proud to contribute its expertise in AI-driven material discovery to this innovative project.
