Abstract: A test rig for measuring wear on flexible membrane material used as seal gers on air cushion vehicles includes a pump and nozzle for producing a shallow, high speed water flow and hydraulic actuators for moving the seal fingers into the flow. The fingers are moved into and out of the flow to simulate the effect of the ship crossing waves at high speed. A fan and air plenum inflate the seal fingers in a manner similar to normal operation.

Abstract: A wax coating composition capable of underwater application to submerged faces consisting of a mixture of from about 3.5% to about 6.0% of a polyethylene homopolymer having a softening point at 85.degree. C. (ASTM E28), a hardness of 90 (ASTM D5), a density of 0.88 g/cc (ASTM D1505), a viscosity of 40 cps at 140.degree. C. (Brookfield), and an acid number of mil mg./kOH gram; of about 27% to about 31% of a mixture of Chlorowaxes selected from the group consisting of Chlorowax 70L, Chlorowax 40, Chlorowax 500, Chlorowax 100, and Indramic 30 Laminating wax; of about 3.5% to about 6.0% USP white mineral oil; of about 18.0% to about 20.0% Nopcocide N96; of about 40.5% to about 42.5% USP petrolatum; and of about 0.6% to about 1.05% Autofast Black 104 in xylene.An application method utilizing the composition.

Abstract: A biocidal wax composition for preventing corrosion and biological fouling nd surface degradation of submerged structures comprises from about 10 to about 40 percent of total biocidal wax composition of a biocidal polymeric gel consisting of a polymer from the group consisting of a polyethylene, polypropylene, a copolymer of polyethylene and vinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof and a solvent selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, a paraffin wax and mixtures thereof, and a biocide; and from about 60 to about 90 percent of total biocidal wax composition of a wax matrix composition consisting of petrolatum, at least two chlorinated waxes, and a microcrystalline wax. The biocidal wax is prepared by shock-cooling a hot solution of a polymer through its cloud point, admixing a biocide with the gel, and admixing the above wax matrix composition with the gel.

Abstract: A method for transferring current which uses a fusible alloy comprising f about 25.0 to about 48.0 weight percent bismuth, from about 0.8 to about 11.5 weight percent cadmium, from about 18.0 to about 53.5 weight percent indium, from 0.0 to about 24.0 weight percent lead, and from about 9.0 to about 17.0 weight percent tin.

Abstract: A shipboard engine system and method of operating includes two compressors with an intercooler, a compressor turbine, a power turbine, a combustor for combining fuel, air and water. Heat exchangers remove heat from the exhaust and use it to preheat the water to the combustor. Spray condensers recover water from the exhaust for reuse. Water purification apparatus is used to remove acid from the water. The system is designed for stoichiometric operation at full load and run with increased efficiency at part load to give a total lower fuel consumption.

Abstract: Mastless sails for a boat or ship which comprise sails having capability for utilizing static and dynamic lift in combination with drag, gravity, and line tension to provide stability and propulsion forces for the boat or ship, communication capability located near said sails when aloft for use for said boat or ship, sensing capability located near said sails when aloft for use by said boat or ship, and apparatus for raising and lowering the communication and sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A deep depth underwater simulator is illustrated for determining the dual effects of nuclear type underwater explosion shockwaves and hydrostatic pressures on a test vessel while simulating, hydrostatically, that the test vessel is located at deep depths. The test vessel is positioned within a specially designed pressure vessel followed by pressurizing a fluid contained between the test and pressure vessels. The pressure vessel, with the test vessel suspended therein, is then placed in a body of water at a relatively shallow depth, and an explosive charge is detonated at a predetermined distance from the pressure vessel. The resulting shockwave is transmitted through the pressure vessel wall so that the shockwave impinging on the test vessel is representative of nuclear type explosive shockwaves transmitted to an underwater structure at great depths.

Abstract: A shaker for performing both absolute and comparison accelerometer calibration. A reference accelerometer is mounted within or attached to a shaker head and calibrated with the shaker head by an absolute method. The shaker, thus calibrated absolutely, becomes a portable device for performing comparison calibrations on other accelerators which can be mounted on its shaker head.

Abstract: A shaft seal that is slidably mounted in a housing with essentially equal balanced forces acting on each radial side. Fluid from the high pressure side of the shaft is communicated to equal areas on the two sides by ducts and constrained to the design areas by "O" rings. The seal moves radially in response to shaft displacements while maintaining a sealing relationship between packing material and the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for distributing axial thrust loads acting on a rotating shaft, ncluding dual thrust bearing assemblies concentrically mounted on the rotating shaft for transmitting axial thrust loads to the thrust load distributing mechanism. The thrust load distributing mechanism includes a stationary support member having at least one fulcrum to provide a reaction force to counterbalance the axial thrust loads acting on the rotating shaft, an annular load lever cooperating with each of the at least one fulcrum, at least two thrust transfer members cooperating with first and second segments on the annular load lever and the dual thrust bearing assemblies, and a force transmitting means.

Abstract: An antifouling compound is formed of the esterification product of tributin oxide combined with the copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride. An antifouling coating formulation is prepared by combining the esterification product with a selected blend of Bisphenol-A and novolac epoxies, fillers, pigment, solvent containing a ketone portion, and an amido amine based accelerator.

Abstract: A method and system for experimentally determining response characteristics and strength capacity of submerged hull structures subjected to underwater explosion. This method and system allows testing in relatively shallow water, near the shore and in close vicinity of data recording and process equipment. Moreover, the test item is more accessible for inspection and modification/s, as necessary. This method and system also allow a more controlled environment independent of waves and weather.

Abstract: A coating for nickel/cobalt base alloys used in gas turbine constructions comprises a platinum metal underlayer, an intermediate MCrAlY layer, and a platinum metal overlayer. The platinum type metal is selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium and/or iridium. The MCrAlY material consists of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr) and a balance represented by the letter (M) and selected from the group cobalt, iron and nickel.

Abstract: A closed cycle vaporization cooling system for an underwater vehicle's in-to-outer hull heat transfer having a low pressure freshwater circulating loop means for collecting and cooling waste heat from inside the vessel by an evaporator means located inside the vessel and so configured to operate under all conditions, an adiabatic zone within the loop for conveying vaporized working fluid to a condenser means located outside the underwater vehicle's pressure hull utilizing a chimney effect free-flooded seawater heat sink wherein cold seawater flows from bottom to top of the heat sink over the condenser means, and a condensate means for condensing and returning the condensate to the evaporator means.

Abstract: A paravane includes an elongated fuselage; a wing section of spaced wing bers attached to an intermediate portion of the fuselage; stabilizer fins for maintaining the paravane lined-up with the direction of tow; a depth control flap positioned adjacent the wing section and having a pivot axis extending closely adjacent to the towing point; and depth control means for controlling the position of the control flap. The wing members have a straight leading edge portion, a straight trailing edge portion and a curved intermediate portion wherein the wing members are arranged such that the chord lines extend at oblique angles with the longitudinal axis of the fuselage and such that the resultant hydrodynamic lift force vector acting on the wing section passes through the tow point.

Abstract: A non-moving fluid thrust deflector and force augmentor is disclosed for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic vehicles and devices. When the deflector is utilized in an aerodynamic application and in conjunction with a thrust producer and a plenum, upon pressure initiation within the plenum, a jet sheet issues and remains attached to a specially designed wing having a rounded trailing edge by balancing reduced static pressure with centrifugal force, and thus provides a controlled resultant force or thrust in some direction other than that corresponding to the original flow. Upon application to hydrodynamic vehicles, the deflector is placed in the propulsor stream and provides turning or pitching forces to the vehicle without any deflection of itself. These applications require no mechanical moving components to deflect or augment the thrust or force, and thus yield considerable reductions in weight and complexity.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mono-element airfoil is disclosed for aerodynamic vehicles and devices. The multi-purpose mono-element highlift airfoil when utilized in an aerodynamic application provides a combined no-moving-parts high lift and cruise airfoil which in conjunction with a plenum, upon pressure initiation, causes pressurized air to issue from a slot tanget to the airfoil surface and remains attached to the airfoil's shaped trailing edge, providing a controlled resultant force or thrust. Upon application to hydrodynamic vehicles, the multi-purpose mono-elements airfoil is placed in the freestream and provides turning or pitching forces to the vehicle without any deflection of itself or any mechanical components.

Abstract: An easily detachable storage tank for use with existing hydrofoil ships is onnected to the ship by two struts with minimal modifications to the ship. The shipboard connections are such that the ship is also usable without the storage tank. The tank may store fuel in a plurality of cells having a diaphragm separating the fuel from ballast seawater. Weapons may also be stored in the tank and fired directly from the tank.

Abstract: A ship steering system includes a pump assembly for controlling hydraulicy actuated rudders, a first actuation unit for translating a helm steering command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly, and a second actuation unit for translating a combined helm steering command signal and ship roll reduction command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly. A decoupling device is interconnected to the first and second actuation units and the pump assembly for decoupling the first actuation unit from the pump assembly when the second actuation unit is activated.

Abstract: A Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect vehicle for traveling over water utilizing efflux from propulsors to create a static pressure increase under the wings. The propulsors are carried inside the fuselage or in other safe locations away from sea spray and debris. The efflux is carried by conduit running the full span of the wing leading edge and is directed under the wing. The efflux also entrains ambient air by Coanda effect to increase the resultant lift.