Transforming Sailor Training: Clemson University Partners with Naval Surface Warfare Center to Develop Innovative VR Corrosion Education

By Thomas McMahon, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division Public Affairs

The U.S. Navy is ramping up its fight against corrosion with an exciting new project. They’re teaming up with Clemson University to create a virtual reality (VR) training program for Sailors. Corrosion, a major issue for naval vessels, costs the Navy about $8 billion each year. This program aims to equip Sailors with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle this challenge head-on.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) is putting $150,000 a year into this initiative, which can be extended for three years. Armen Kvryan, the NSWC PHD corrosion lead, emphasizes the need for specialized training focused on the unique challenges Sailors face, especially in corrosive marine environments.

Corrosion isn’t just a minor nuisance; it affects over half of that $8 billion cost, mainly related to ships and equipment. Kvryan noted that traditional corrosion courses can be complex, often requiring background knowledge in areas like chemistry or material science. This new training will simplify those concepts, making them accessible for all Sailors, regardless of their educational background.

The course will cover how to identify different types of corrosion. For instance, an orange spot usually indicates rust, while a white spot may signal aluminum corrosion. Sailors will learn how to properly treat these issues and understand the importance of protective layers that are all too often scraped off during maintenance.

Moreover, this training is expected to save time and money for the Navy and help Sailors communicate better with engineering personnel about corrosion problems. Kvryan’s goal is to boost Sailors’ knowledge significantly in a short period, aiming to teach them 50% more than they currently know in just one day.

What sets this initiative apart is the use of VR technology. The partnership with Clemson taps into their expertise in both corrosion and VR training. Clemson’s Corrosion Research Laboratory specializes in developing techniques to reduce corrosion damage, and the university is excited to bring this knowledge into the training environment.

Amir Poursaee, a professor at Clemson and director of the Corrosion Research Laboratory, stated, “We’re going to combine our forces for a new methodology to deliver a dynamic corrosion course.” The immersive nature of VR will allow sailors to engage in realistic scenarios, making the learning experience more effective and engaging.

Initially, the training will take place in NSWC PHD, but there are plans to expand it to other ports in the future. This project could also benefit veteran students, as Clemson aims to involve them through partnerships with various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The NEEC program, which funds projects like this one, connects the Navy with educational institutions across the country. It encourages collaboration to explore research areas that may be too resource-intensive for the Navy to pursue alone. Kvryan highlighted that this program not only aims to tackle corrosion but also seeks to attract new talent into the technical fields critical to the Navy’s operations.

In the face of mounting corrosion challenges, this innovative training program promises to equip Sailors with the tools and knowledge to protect naval assets effectively. By merging cutting-edge technology with academic expertise, the Navy is stepping into the future while addressing a long-standing issue.

For additional information on the NEEC program and its research projects, visit the official [U.S. Navy website](https://www.navy.mil).



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Glenn Department of Civil Engineering