Innovative Shock Isolation Technology

The Navy is developing a variety of mission modules with weights up to 20 metric tons for use onboard its next generation of high speed, focused-mission combat ships. The current design of these modules, which comprise ISO-standard support containers and off-board vehicles, must include provisions for shock mitigation to protect the sensitive internal cargo. By providing shock mitigation within the modules/seaframe connectors, constraints on both the modules and seaframe could be relaxed and significant weight savings would be achieved. Mat-IQ will use its expertise in advanced materials and prior experience in innovative shock and vibration mitigation to develop state-of-the-art isolation technology. Rigid connectors will be replaced with smart materials-based isolators capable of mitigating Grade B shock loading according to Navy MIL-S-901D, thereby allowing the Navy to reach its weight saving goals. The support and longstanding military and industrial markets experience of Barry Controls will ensure that Mat-IQ’s design will remain compatible with Navy requirements and current standard grade twist-lock connectors, and will facilitate the introduction of the newly developed technology into commercial markets. A proof-of-concept isolator prototype will be built and tested in Phase I.