Date of Award

2020

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Dr. Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Team 10, the Sea Raccoon, is responsible for developing a methodology for the release of several deployables from an underwater host vehicle. The sponsor for this project is the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, NUWC. The project demanded a methodology for launching a deployable from an underwater host vehicle. The deployables are approximated generally as cylinders due to the secret nature of the actual payload.

Beginning with an extensive analysis of the problem and its definition, the design process for the first prototype took place over the four months of the 2019 Fall Semester at the University of Rhode Island. In that time, the prevailing solution to the problem emerged as a compressed air launch mechanism integrated into the outer diameter of the underwater host vehicle. When not in use, the launch tube is contained, having no impact on the projected cross-section of the host. Initially, a servo would pivot the front end of the launch tube about 7.07 degrees out of the host, giving it the desired clearance to launch to the rear without impeding any of the host’s propulsion systems. In the final design, this was changed to a linear actuator to provide adequate power. A solenoid valve was also added to further automate the launching process.

A mathematical model was used to predict the behavior of the deployable when launched underwater. This model included the groundbreaking development of Keenan’s Constant of Yeetability. With the theoretical model completed, a one-third scale prototype was then built to test the performance of the methodology. The results of underwater launch testing proved the math to have an error of only about 8% when calculating expected muzzle velocity and distance travelled. Both statistics were within desirable performance ranges for the deployment of the payload.

This model served as the foundation for scaling up to the final model, which used significantly higher launch pressures. Surface testing and underwater testing were then conducted with the final model, confirming the validity of the model and the overall success of the project. All objectives set forth by the problem definition and design specifications were met. The final version was capable of having a projectile fired underwater at over 50 feet per second and travelling a distance of over 30 feet.

Comments

Sponsor: Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC)

Company Contact: Peter Phelps

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