Next Generation Buoyancy Material

This Phase I SBIR research project will analytically and computationally model the relevant mechanical characteristics of amorphous glass foams for next generation buoyancy materials below 0.05 g/cc relative density with uniaxial compressive strength at or exceeding 2 MPa. During the base period, candidate materials for buoyancy foams will be determined using theoretical frameworks detailed by Ashby and Gibson. Hollow spheres from the set of adequate materials will be modeled using thin wall pressure vessel theory. Amorphous glass foam simulation will be performed using the finite element method. Finally, material production scalability and cost will be discussed. All data will be compiled into a final report describing the concept for producing the buoyancy material with the accompanying analyses to prove sufficient performance. During the option period, a hollow sphere deposition concept for additive manufacturing will be mathematically analyzed and designed. The necessary hardware and software components will be selected and the entire apparatus drafted into engineering drawings. At the end of the option period, Phase II plans for constructing the apparatus will be detailed.