Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for evaluating gas generator launchers is provided. The method includes fixing the system geometry and establishing initial conditions of the launcher to be evaluated. The initial conditions include a mass, composition and geometry of the fuel included in the gas generant, geometries of the system components, initial pressures and temperatures and the mass and geometry of the device to be launched. A gas generator internal ballistics burn rate is modeled and an amount of mass and energy added to the combustion chamber as the fuel is consumed is calculated. Then, using conservation of mass and energy principles, an energy flux rate is modeled, beginning with the fuel and ending with the work performed on the device in order to propel it from the launcher.

Abstract: An adaptive wave motion electrical power generation method and system are provided. An alternator, floating freely at a water's surface, has magnet and wire coil structures that undergo relative movement therebetween in response to wave motion at or near the water's surface thereby causing electric current to flow through the wire coil structure. Dynamic parameters (e.g., relative acceleration, velocity or displacement) describing the relative movement between the magnet and wire coil structures are measured. Also measured are the electric current flowing through the wire coil structure and voltage thereacross. The amount of electric current flowing in the wire coil structure and delivered to the load is controlled based on the dynamic parameters.

Abstract: An array through a first to a second side of a three-sided junction, accessed remotely by a single mode fiber transmits a light pulse sequence to the array and receives sound modulated return light signals via the second to a third side of the junction. Within each hydrophone, butt coupled fiber joints form a continuous structure, encapsulated within a compressible plastic tube for mechanical stability. Tube volume expands and contracts linearly with variations in acoustic pressure thereby proportionally modulating the optical path therethrough. Each joint is a partial reflector reflects part of the incident light beam back via the second to third side of the junction to a posthydrophone compensating interferometer which compensates for path difference between equally spaced array joints; From the third side of the junction the reflections from the butt coupled fiber joints pass through a light detector and signal processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting cancer in human tissue. The device comprises an acoustic array shaped to conform to and surround a portion of the human anatomy and a material for acoustically coupling the acoustic array and the human anatomy portion. The acoustic array is formed from a plurality of doubly curved segments. Each segment is formed by a piezoelectric ceramic polymer composite material with an acoustic element pattern formed on one surface via the selective deposition of a conductive material. The acoustic element pattern contains a plurality of acoustic elements which act as both transmitters and receivers. The acoustic array further includes a backing material which provides a desired mechanical damping to each segment and defines the shape of the array. The device further includes a housing which includes signal conditioning electronics to condition signals received from the acoustic array.

Abstract: A weapon system and method is provided to obtain damage assessment data immediately after impact of a missile. The missile releases the pod a short time before impact. The pod contains a parachute, a small camera and communications equipment. When released, the pod deploys the parachute to slow its descent and to direct the camera to the proper orientation so as to capture the impact and damage resulting from the impact. Using its communications equipment, the pod relays the impact and resulting damage data back to launch control. The system and method thus provide launch control with immediate battle damage assessments without requiring a launch platform to remain in the battle arena, or without requiring a reconnaissance platform to enter the arena to obtain the damage assessment data.

Abstract: A modem to improve communication system performance that uses multiple modulation schemes comprising modulation technique and encoder combinations. As communication system performance and objectives change, different modulation schemes may be selected. Modulation schemes may also be selected upon the communication channel scattering function estimate, and the modem estimates the channel scattering function from measurements of the channel's frequency (doppler) and time (multipath) spreading characteristics.

Abstract: A coil restraint device for a torpedo mounted dispenser of a torpedo assembly is disclosed. The torpedo assembly includes at least a torpedo body, a longitudinal propulsion shaft housed within the torpedo body, and a torpedo mounted dispenser connected to the longitudinal propulsion shaft at the aft end of the torpedo body. The torpedo mounted dispenser houses a wire payout coil and a flex hose surrounds the wire payout coil, a forward end of the flex hose being open and unrestrained. The coil restraint device includes a flexible band member having an inner surface, an outer surface, opposite ends, and opposing longitudinal edges. A strap is provided on the outer surface of the flexible band member, the strap having opposite distal ends extending beyond a length of the flexible band member.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing hovering performance of a tailcone of a countermeasure device is disclosed. The tailcone includes a motor and a propeller which is driven by the motor. The test fixture includes an upper support device, a lower support device, at least one cable connected between the upper and lower support devices and a connection device which slidably attaches the tailcone to the at least one cable, thereby restricting movement of the tailcone along the at least one cable. The upper support device is supported above a water-filled tank, the lower support is disposed in the water-filled tank and the hovering capability of the tailcone is tested by operating the tailcone in the tank. The connection device includes a number of extensions affixed to the tailcone. The extensions each include a clasp spaced from the tailcone. The clasps, are slidably joined along the cables, thereby attaching the tailcone to the cables.

Abstract: An underwater launcher of a vehicle in a launching tube outside the pressure hull of a submerged launch platform is unaffected by launch depth. A muzzle cap at one end of the tube communicates with ambient water and a ram plate at the other end communicates through openings with ambient water. Rigid elongate segments extend inside the tube between the cap and the plate, and a launch mechanism connected to the platform and tube has an expansion chamber sealed from ambient water and contains a gas driven turbine rotating a pump-inducer communicating through the openings with the ambient water. The pump inducer is adjacent to the plate to simultaneously displace the plate, elongate segments, vehicle, and cap in the tube and eject the vehicle. The plate, elongate segments, and cap decouple from the vehicle as it leaves the tube and safely sink away from the launch platform.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of coating a substrate. First, a layer of liquid polymeric coating having a pigment and a solvent is applied to the substrate. An ultrasonic acoustic source is then provided and operated at a frequency of from about above 40 kHz to provide an acoustic pressure field and an it acoustic pressure of above 190 dB and directing the main lobe of the acoustic pressure field toward the layer of liquid polymeric coating. This acoustic pressure field reduces the gradient in and smoothes any uneven surface features in the liquid polymeric coating.

Abstract: A bonding tool includes an aluminum metal alloy bar member of a predetermined width, the bar having an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing longitudinal edges. A resilient material is adhesively joined with the bar, the resilient material having an upper surface, a lower surface and opposing longitudinal edges. The joining of the resilient sponge material to the bar is such that an entire upper surface of the sponge material is coextensive with an entire lower surface of the bar member. The bonding tool is made in several, for example five, sections and is laid on a cable for bonding the cable to a capsule or the like in a separate process. The sections are keyed so as to interlock one to another.

Abstract: A torpedo mounted dispenser for a coil of flex hose and control wire includes a rigid shell round in widthwise cross section, and a circular shock mount disposed centrally of the shell, the shell and the shock mount defining an annular chamber therebetween. Hooks are mounted on an exterior wall of the shell. Slots are defined by the shell, each slot being proximate one of the hooks. A retainer ring is disposed in the chamber. Retainer loops each extend at least partly around the retainer ring, through one of the slots, and is attached to one of the hooks. The coil of flex hose and control wire is disposed in the chamber and is movable lengthwise through the retainer ring while uncoiling and paying out from the dispenser.

Abstract: A device for sensing projectile velocity in an underwater environment is provided. The device includes a plurality of evenly spaced break screen members positioned in a path of the projectile. Each break screen member includes a support member, a pair of transparent sheets spanning the support member, a continuous resistive trace sandwiched between the transparent sheets, and a sensing member correspondingly connected to each resistive trace. The sensing member includes means for outputting a signal responsive to impact of the projectile against the break screen, and a logic arrangement for determining a difference between impact of at two adjacent break screens throughout the run of break screens, thereby determining a velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A sonar buoy adapted to be deployed by a cruise missile. This sonar buoy includes a flotation device for keeping a portion of the buoy afloat, a hydrophone, a transmitter for communicating contact and position information and releasable means for attaching the sonar buoy to the cruise missile. By means of this device, a means of monitoring littoral and other waters for enemy submarines and other threats is provided with a low degree of risk to friendly forces. A system for deploying this sonar buoy in a sonar buoy field is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to replenish a submarine's tactical capabilities, e.g., weapons, sensors and communications, while the submarine remains within a hostile environment. One or more Underwater Combat Vehicles (UCV's) are pre-positioned at strategic locations or are launched from a surface and/or airborne platform. The UCV's include full tactical capabilities, which can attach to and be integrated with a submarine's capabilities. To initiate replenishment, a submarine broadcasts a signal, or dispatches one of the UCV's under its direct control, to make contact with one of the pre-positioned UCV's or with a central command platform. The pre-positioned UCV's are programmed to search for and locate the submarine. This can either be accomplished using signals broadcast from the submarine, or using UCV internal navigation systems and a last known position for the submarine.

Abstract: A target simulation system is used to simulate a target, such as a submarine, for testing of homing projectiles, such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedoes. The target simulation system includes a target portion having an impact structure and a plurality of acoustic reflectors spaced at a distance that simulates the spatial extent and acoustic highlights of the desired target. The target simulation portion is suspended at a predetermined depth within an underwater environment using one or more suspension assemblies. The suspension assemblies include one or more support floats that float on the surface of the water and suspension lines that extend from the respective support floats to the target portion. A reflector sail is coupled to a support float at one end of the target simulation system and captures the surface wind to apply a force to the target simulation portion.

Abstract: A method for reducing strum in tow cables. Such tow cables typically extend from a marine vessel and have their lengths controlled by a winch on the deck of the ship and have a tow component at their distal end. The length of the cable is adjusted so that the number of longitudinal waves is an integral number of the number of transverse waves is an odd integral number.

Abstract: A piston deceleration system includes an elongated piston shaft having an intermediate stop member and a second stop member formed thereon. A piston member is slidably seated on the elongated shaft between the intermediate stop member and the second stop member. A tank member is provided having a first end surface with a first opening and a shaft aperture formed therein and a second end surface having a second opening formed therein. The piston shaft is slidably positioned into the tank member through at least the first end surface shaft aperture. A shaft shock absorbing member is positioned between the intermediate stop member and the piston member on the piston shaft, and a piston shock absorbing member is positioned between the piston member and the second end of the tank member.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide spike conduction and power supply isolation that is effective for a 60 Hz power supply operating frequency. The power frequency blocking circuit is practically implemented for a 60 Hz power supply operating frequency. The power frequency blocking circuit provides an equivalent impedance of 100 ohms at the 60 Hz operating frequency, and the power frequency blocking circuit equivalent impedance is on the order of 1-2 ohms at frequencies above 1000 Hz where spike conduction is required. The power frequency blocking circuit is placed between each power supply terminal and ground. The circuit is comprised of a parallel combination resistor and capacitor.

Abstract: A marine countermeasures launch assembly includes a cylindrical body including first and second members having, respectively, first and second surfaces engageable with each other to form the body, the first surface having first and second recesses therein, the second surface having first and second recesses therein opposed to the recesses of the first member when the members are engaged, to form a first chamber for retaining a first countermeasure and a second chamber for retaining a second countermeasure. The first and second surfaces have opposed bores therein. A spring is disposed in each pair of the opposed bores and urges the members to separate from each other to release the countermeasures after the assembly is launched.