During the Phase I contract, Triton Systems developed a preliminary design for a drop-in, composite version of the legacy MK48 torpedo fuel tank. Through analysis, this design was shown to reduce the dry tank weight by more than 30%, increase the internal volume available in the tank to hold fuel, and provide a more effective fuel separation system that increases the overall fuel utilization. In this Phase II effort, Triton proposes to perform subscale proof-of-concept testing to demonstrate the effectiveness of our fuel separation system, strength of our metal to composite joints, and resistance to corrosion. We will fabricate a full-scale prototype tank and work with the Navy to perform necessary structural and environmental demonstration testing. Assuming success, we will produce production representative prototypes that will be used to validate the design requirements against the MK48 torpedos design.
Benefit: This effort will increase the overall range of the weapon and reduce maintenance and replacement costs by greatly reducing corrosion. This design could be directly applicable to other Navy weapons and undersea vehicles. Potential commercial applications arising from this effort include pressure vessels for oil and gas exploration, deep-sea exploration, and deep-sea salvage missions.
Keywords: Seawater Ingestion, composite fuel tank, Corrosion in Fuel Systems, High Strength Material Use in Fuel Tanks, Displacement of Fuel with Seawater, Composite pressure vessel