Recent trends in submarine design indicate the need for-locating more electrical components, such as propulsion motors and actuators, outside the pressure hull. As a result, there is a need for electrical hull penetrators/connectors which can transfer high currents or high voltages through the submarine's pressure hull. We propose to review the capabilities and limitations of existing penetrator/ connector designs and explore new design approaches for both high current and high voltage applications. Our research will include the following considerations: - Materials - Failure mechanisms - Penetrator size constraints - Primary and secondary sealing methods - Conductor sizes in both mated and unmated conditions During Phase I, we will define a matrix of connectors based on power requirements and operational criteria. This matrix will define a family of hull penetrators based on conductor sizes for different levels of voltages and currents. We will build upon our expertise gained over the past three decades in designing and building highly successful electrical hull penetrators/connectors for submarines in pursuing new and innovative concepts for meeting high current and high voltage requirements.
