Development of a Sediment Fluidization and Target Handling Claw for UXO Burial at Underwater Munitions Test Ranges
Abstract
This work developed a new method for the burial of surrogate UXO targets in marine sediments based on sediment fluidization. Laboratory tests showed that fine and medium grained sands can be fluidized by jetting water from above, and that broad-sided targets can easily be buried in the fluidized sediment. The combination of higher hydraulic conductivity and increased minimum fluidization velocity in larger grained sediments make fluidization of coarse-grained sands impractical. Field tests were conducted at three sites ranging from medium grained sand to mud. The system was successfully able to fluidize sediments and bury targets into the fluidized sediments up to 0.65 m deep. Sediment core data at field test sites showed no significant change to the bulk grain size distribution due to fluidization and burial. This burial method can be developed into a surface operated bottom lander with low technical risk. Such a bottom lander would have minimal operational limitations compared to dive teams, be able to bury targets quickly, and provide accurate target burial position, depth, and orientation to test site operators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 05, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1226164
Entities
People
- Nicolas Michel-hart
Organizations
- University of Washington