Fat Line Tow Cable

The objective of N151-037 is to develop a new medium weight tow cable for the TB-16 Fat Line Array. It will utilize the coaxial core and geometry of the current lightweight tow cable, while incurring a small weight increase to obtain improved axial compressional strength as well as resist damage caused by fish hooks. The new cable must possess a continuous outer surface that provides the necessary strength and cut resistance. Surface modification of the current HDPE jacket with UHMWPE, TiC, and SiC will result in a rugged cable able to withstand the 220 lb pushing force imparted by the OK-276A handling system. The increase in material strength will not affect storage on the 12 inch diameter of the Reel Unit. The improved surface of the cable jacket will make the cable impervious to damage caused by fish hooks or other sharp objects. Te proposed system will outperform the current constructions, operating in the handling system more smoothly, eliminating equipment down time. Overall the properties of the more rugged tow cable will be less prone to wear, leading to a longer lifetime. Computational simulation will thoroughly demonstrate the performance of the new medium weight tow cable.