Isovolumetric Sleeve for Flexible Atmospheric Diving Suit
Abstract
Existing Atmospheric Diving Suits (ADS) are constructed from highly rigid, load-bearing materials like aluminum and fiberglass that resist hydrostatic pressure but also constrain the divers natural movements. Joint mobility is typically achieved with segmented rotary, ball-socket, or annular universal joints that permit motion only at certain points of the body. However, these architectures are complex and significantly add to the cost and maintenance requirements of ADSsystems. Nonetheless, such constraints are necessary for existing suit designs since softer and more flexible materials that allow for free motion will collapse at depth and transfer the large, ambient hydrostatic pressure to the interior volume. Therefore, a grand challenge in atmospheric diving is the need for flexible suits that allow a diver to move freely while simultaneously resisting the extreme hydrostatic pressures of surrounding sea water.In this project, we will address this critical need by introducing a materials architecture for the joints of an ADS so that it can be more flexible, form-fitting, and comfortable for the diver. The objective is to replace the complex and bulky joints in existing ADS technologies with a relatively slim, body-conforming sleeve that is primarily composed of elastically compliant materials and fluids. The flexible sleeve will simultaneously allow for free bending and twisting at the bodyjoint while also resisting ambient hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding seawater. The latter will be achieved through a toroidal joint architecture that maintain isovolumetric deformation of the sleeve during body motion. Specifically, the joint will be designed to feature the following: (i) support up to 3 MPa (300 m depth equivalent) of external hydrostatic pressure without deflecting or collapsing; (ii) maintain a fixed volume during bending or twisting motions; (iii) freely bends or twists without requiring significant applied torque; (iv) exhibit similar conformability as with other protective garments like hazmat or fire proximity suits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012237
Entities
People
- Carmel Majidi
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy