The development of a hybrid advanced composite-syntactic foam structural component for use in undersea vehicles

This paper presents the progress of an ongoing program to develop a lightweight, highly buoyant structural member for open-frame, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The structural component is fabricated from advanced composite materials and syntactic foam. This unique hybrid member is intended for, but not limited to, underwater vehicles. The paper demonstrates that composite materials and syntactic foams can offer great benefits when incorporated into the design of underwater structures. The element employs a syntactic foam core, which is then over-wrapped with an advanced composite braid. The triaxial carbon braid is then impregnated with an epoxy resin and cured at room or an elevated temperature. The advanced composite hybrid offers enhanced axial stiffness and strength properties comparable to metals as well as a unique property, positive buoyancy. This is accomplished by incorporating flotation into the structure of the vehicle. When the structure of an underwater vehicle is positively buoyant, additional payload may be applied. Minimization of the existing flotation package, which is required to achieve neutral buoyancy, will also help to reduce the overall size of the vehicle and improve its maneuverability, both on deck and while underwater