The Challenge For Improved Ocean Vehicles-- A David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center Perspective

Developing vehicles for operation on and under the ocean surface to serve in a hostile environment (both natural and man made) is the primary mission of the David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center (DTNSRDC). The broad areas encompassed range from developing new hulls more stable in seaways, materials that better tolerate the effects of the ocean, or new naval systems that improve fleet performance. The Center is a vertically integrated organization that provides technological expertise and unique Free World facilities to solve ocean engineering problems. Vehicle development, energy efficient ships, ocean wave prediction, anti-fouling materials and other marine technology programs at the Center advance our capability to ply the seaways more efficiently and effectively. In the last decade, deep submergence technology has focused on electric drive, new buoyancy materials, variable ballast systems and other component development; as well as fluids, lubricants, hydraulic systems and electrical insulation to be used to depths of 20,000 feet. These systems will be demonstrated on SEA CLIFF. We are investigating thick laminate composite materials for ship hulls and piping systems, as well as truss-spaced core materials. These materials will reduce topside structure weight and improve ship stability. Our still unique, time tested, deep submergence tanks and hydrodynamic basins play key roles in the development of vehicle technology-like ALVIN and SWATH. Using them, we conduct research on drag reduction and propulsion efficiency. This paper presents a brief overview of Center accomplishments and relevant current efforts that demonstrate its capability to go "From Research to Reality," a theme focused on new challenges in ocean engineering for the coming era.