Plastic/Elastomeric Sensor Outer Heads/Housings

This investigation exploits the key advantages of plastic polyurethane as a material for NSSN heads/housings. These advantages include dramatic cost reduction, due to ease of manufacturing and lower material cost, decreased weight, inherent noncorrosivity, high strength, ductility and portability. A structural analysis methodology will be developed based upon proven advanced nonlinear finite element techniques and experience with structural plastics. This methodology will be applied to the design of a Government specified outer head. A materials search and synthesis (Phase 1 Option), will be conducted in paralllel, resulting in selection of material(s). Polyurethane plastics will be selected based on maximizing strength and ductility requirements, and requirements the analytic design dictates. These selected plastics will then be processed to accurately reflect the manufacturing process and geometry of the head. Selected plastics will then be mechanically tested to obtain the mechanical parameters used in the analysis. An initial set of parameters will start the analysis and an improved set will be used in the final design. A detailed manufacturing procedure will be developed which includes mold design, preprocessing, mold prepartion, mixing, demold procedures and quality control.