Shape Memory Alloy Composite Fabric Pressure Vessel and Diving Suit
Abstract
A pressure vessel is provided for underwater use in which the vessel includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) composite fabric having a martensite phase and an austenite phase. In the martensite phase, the SMA composite fabric is elastic. In the austenite phase, the SMA composite fabric is rigid to form the pressure vessel with the pressure vessel defining an interior volume large enough to contain an adult human. The shape memory alloy composite fabric can withstand ambient hydrostatic pressure at the water depth where the pressure vessel is deployed. In another embodiment, a hybrid atmospheric diving suit includes an articulated anthropomorphic submersible diving suit having a plurality of joints in a right arm, a left arm, a right leg and a left leg portion of the diving suit. At least one of the joints includes a shape memory alloy composite fabric. Each of the right arm, the left arm, the right leg and the left leg portions of the suit includes one or more joints made of the shape memory alloy composite fabric. The shape memory alloy composite fabric joints are rigid in an austenite phase to maintain a pressure of one atmosphere in an interior of the suit. The shape memory alloy composite fabric joints are flexible in a martensite phase to enable freedom of movement in the joints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 09, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1150756
Entities
People
- Matthew Rice
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center