Transmission Lines with Very Lossy Conductors and Seawater Return.
Abstract
There are potential benefits in undersea cable technology by the use of copper-coated non-conductors (Kevlar) or poor conductors (graphite) with conventional or sea-water outer conductor. Kevlar is a very strong non-conductive fiber even in small sizes and it can be fabricated as a bundle of many copper-coated strands. Non-metallic conductors are being developed for a wide range of uses. For example, graphite materials are being used to provide strong flexible golf clubs and spark plug wires that cause minimal interference with radio reception. There is extensive research and development in these materials such as development of light-weight strong materials for airplanes. The particular application of interest in the research reported here is the cables used as undersea data links for transmitting signals from hydrophones under water to sonobuoy radio transmitters at the surface of the ocean. Non-metallic conducting materials have recently shown impressive capabilities and prospective future gains from the viewpoint of such ocean applications including high strength, low specific gravity and relatively low resistance. This report is intended to provide the technical development of such data transmission lines in order to provide the basis for design of such cables. The technical basis for the design of undersea cables is provided in considerable detail. The electromagnetic theory, algorithm development, and properties of materials are described. Optimal designs are considered.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 18, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA130739
Entities
People
- G. E. Martin