Cut Resistant Hose for Vibration Isolation Module (SEASNAKE)

As described by the Navy, a surface ship towed array VIM (Vibration Isolation Module) hose that is resistant to cuts, abrasions, perforation, and other mechanical damage is needed by the Navy. The surface ship fat line VIM is a fluid filled hose that reduces the low frequency vibrations experienced by towed array sensors, such as the TB37 surface ship towed arrays, by attenuating the vibration through the VIM and especially through the hose wall. However, the soft hose material used in current VIM hoses is susceptible to cuts from floating materials such as fishing lines. A cut-resistant towed array VIM hose would increase the availability of existing surface ship towed arrays and reduce lifecycle costs. The Navy seeks innovative approaches to providing vibration isolation to, while reducing or eliminating susceptibility to cutting or puncturing hazards often experienced during towing, deployment, and retrieval operations. Mid proposes to develop a custom hose which includes a layer of protection to significantly minimize, if not eliminate, the risk of cutting the hose and maintain the vibration attenuation properties. The proposed solution has the potential to meet all the goals of this topic at a cost similar to the current hoses used in the VIM.