Survey and Preliminary Feasibility Assessment for a Running Gear Module for a Deep Ocean Work Vehicle.

摘要

Background information impacting the technical feasibility of developing an active running gear system for use on a deep ocean vehicle is summarized along with preliminary conceptual configurations for such a system. Characteristics and available performance data on some 66 existing seafloor vehicles (none of which are designed for the environment or operating scenario/mission of interest to this study) are reviewed and summarized along with likely environmental conditions. It is concluded that either a rotor/screw or track running gear type will provide the best potential performance on the very weak and highly plastic cohesive soils to be encountered in the deep ocean. Draw bar pull forces of the order of 400 pounds are developable using an active running gear module which is lightweight (possibly neutrally buoyant in some cases) is compatible with, and relies on, its host vehicle for power and control functions. Potential areas of significant work capability enhancement using such an active running gear module are summarized along with identified technical deficiencies and plans for addressing, satisfying these. (Author)