Thermal Management Technologies for Low-Temperature Undersea Dive Persistence: a Novel Arctic Diving Suit
Abstract
Thermal Management Technologies for Low-Temperature Undersea Dive Persistence: a NovelArctic Diving SuitPrincipal Investigators: Prof. Michael S. Strano & Prof. Jacopo BuongiornoThe proposed project aims to develop novel materials that provide (1) ultra-high thermal insulation; and (2)underwater electrical energy harvesting such as thermal resonator. The extension will focus on extendingthe duration of effective thermal insulation and validating the enhanced insulation on manikin.In terms of enhanced thermal insulation, we propose to use graphene oxide based gas barrier coatings thatkeep the highly-insulating gases trapped inside the neoprene foam. This will prevent the discharging ofnoble gases inside the neoprene and increase the longevity of noble gas treated thermal insulating divingsuits. Other less expensive gases are also proposed to be used to replace the noble gases, such as carbondioxide and chloroflurocarbons. As a complement to the aforementioned strategy of improving theinsulating properties of neoprene itself, it is also possible to gain further improvements in insulation bytrapping a thin layer of air on the surface of neoprene. This can be done by treating the neoprene outersurface to render it superhydrophobic, which can in turn be done in multiple ways. The surface may alsobe mechanically modified and its wettability adjusted by altering its microscale texture, e.g. by addingsynthetic fur. Overall, making the outer surface of neoprene superhydrophobic could benefit the diver intwo ways: by significantly reducing the viscous drag on thediver, enabling more efficient swimming, andby enhancing the thermal insulation provided by the wetsuit, further extending the divepersistence.Next step of the project also includes testing the effectiveness of charged wetsuit in full-scale on NaticksManikin, and reinforce the neoprene structure to extend the lifetime of thermal insulation. For energyharvesting, we plan to set up a mathematical model for a wearable thermal resonator that can utilize theheat loss from divers body to power some electronic devices.Approved for public release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112192
Entities
People
- Michael Strano
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy