Exploratory Evaluation of Alumina Ceramic Housings for Deep Submergence Service Fourth Generation Housings
Abstract
Unmanned vehicles operating at depths in excess of 10,000 feet require for the optimization of their performance parameters (i.e., speed, range, payload, maneuverability) pressure hulls with a low weight-to- displacement ratio, preferably less than 0.5. Such low weight-to-displacement ratios cannot be achieved with metallic pressure hulls because of their low specific strengths. Aluminum oxide ceramics possess specific strength in the 82, 000 to 139,000 psi range, which is adequate for achieving a 0.5 weight-to- displacement ratio in pressure hulls fabricated from the material. The intrinsic cost of the material is low (less than $0.2/pound). The material is nonmagnetic, impervious to water, inert in seawater, a good conductor of heat, and possesses a high modulus of elasticity. Its major drawback is brittleness, which results in low point impact resistance. There appears to be also a limitation in the maximum size that can be fabricated by the present manufacturing process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA228014
Entities
People
- J. D. Stachiw