Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Array Deployment System. Feasibility Study Phase 1.

摘要

The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of stowing a cable/array internally on a fixed drum and to explore the application of linear drive principles for the primary drive. The application of a fixed drum stowage reel with linear capstan techniques would minimize a cable/array deployment system's size and weight. This optimization of size and weight could make array deployment from a tethered torpedo or autonomous underwater vehicle possible, without high fuel consumption. The fixed stowage reel could be an existing torpedo structure with no weight increase. The linear capstan could weigh twenty pounds or less (plus motor). Its operational capability would only be limited by torpedo power to overcome array drag and supply motor torque. The linear capstan is a torque balanced, closed loop device capable of pushing an array into stowage, while coincidentally retrieving the array under two tension. This study includes tests which manually wrap hose in a container to study level wind quality and repeatability. Linear drive tests include the manufacturability of internal guide cams. In addition, a high helix linear drive output was verified by physical measurement of travel versus calculated projections. Keywords: AUV Array deployment; Cable handling system; Internal drum cable stowage; Fixed drum cable stowage; Linear capstan. (KT)