Date of Award

2020

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Dr. Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

The project objective given by the sponsor is to design, construct, and test a prototype for a payload launch system that is powered preferably by an explosion or implosion. The launch system must function with no outside power source and in an underwater environment. The parameters given are vague since the sponsor stated few limitations, as they want to explore the original, creative, and unboxed ideas from students unfamiliar with the industry. The final product will be tested to determine the maximum depth underwater at which the payload will launch and the maximum size of a system that can launch. These two parameters, along with the safety for the users, were given by the group to be the most important to focus on while designing the product. Other parameters to consider are minimizing cost of production, creating a product that is as lightweight and small as practically possible, and a lifecycle of a few years. After creating a hundred and twenty designs, the team narrowed down to the top designs, which were again narrowed until a final design was chosen to pursue. A preliminary CAD model was designed for the mechanical trigger, then 3D printed to ensure that it would function properly when applied to the launch system. While the trigger was successful, modifications were made to optimize the design. An additional safety was added to the trigger mechanism, as well as an ergonomic grip. A variety of primers, explosives, and propellants were researched to determine the type of propellant and primer to be used to launch the payload. Since the launch tube uses explosives to launch the payload, NUWC requires a three-tier safety system to ensure no catastrophic accidental explosions. The team addressed the safety concerns by adding a safety, trigger guard, cocking safety, and bolt action trigger system to guarantee the propellant is only activated when chosen to by the user. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team was only able to perform one test of the system. The results of the primer initiation test were positive, confirming the appropriate choice of a spring to launch the firing pin and proving that the primers will reliably initiate. This success leads the team to believe that the remainder of their tests will be successful. The project can be completed by testing the prototype at a future date when the pandemic does not interfere.

Comments

Sponsor: US Naval Undersea Warfare Center

NUWC Mentors: Craig Tilton and Jim LeBlanc

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