12-15-03
LMSSC-MO recognizes NCAM-LP for Contributions to Friction Stir Welding

Paula Hartley, Dr. Sal Guccione, Charles Gudaitis, Bruce Brailsford (holding plaque), Jules Schneider.

Representatives of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company-Michoud Operations (LMSSC-MO) presented a commemorative plaque to Bruce Brailsford, Director of NCAM-LP, "in appreciation of contributions to the development of the National Center of Advanced Manufacturing Friction Stir Weld System."

On hand for the presentation from LMSSC-MO were Paula Hartley, Large Metallic Structures Manager, Charles Gudaitis, Facilities and Environmental Operations, and Jules Schneider, Complex Curvature Program Manager. From NCAM were Bruce Brailsford, Director and Dr. Sal Guccione, Education Coordinator.

The presentation marked the positive results of a full scale demonstration of Friction Stir Welding of a complex curvature.

	Universal Weld System in New Orleans

In June 2002, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center awarded a Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) contract to the University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation (UNOR&TF) to advance the technology readiness level of Self-Reacting Friction Stir Welding (SRFSW), specifically the advancement of this technology as applied to welding large-scale, complex contour hardware. Subsequently, UNOR&TF issued a subcontract to LMSSC-MO. The program included the installation and activation of the Universal Weld System at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and subsequent welding demonstrations.