Surface Ship Fat Line Towed Array Cut-Resistant Vibration Isolation Module (VIM) Hose

The objective of the Topic N181-034 is to develop concepts for a cut-resistant vibration isolation module (VIM) hose, which plays an essential role maintaining the performance of the TB-37 Towed Array System. VIMs act as a shock absorber that attenuates effects of mechanical noise caused by ship motion and the tow cable’s strum. The proposed effort will use a comprehensive materials-based approach to toughen the VIM’s outer jacket against widely-used high-tension fishing longlines, with 1000's of fish hooks, which can span more than 10 kilometers in length. The proposed approach will leverage the latest developments in fabric reinforced rubbers and advanced additives to develop a wear and cut-resistant VIM jacket materials for improved service like performance. Material selection and testing will be optimized using statistical Design of Experiments. Experimental results will be validated using computer simulation modeling. A major objective of the proposed approach is to preserve the current manufacturing methods and supply base so the SBIR technology can be transitioned into the fleet in a time and cost-efficient manner.