Induction Carburizing--A Novel Cost Effective, Environmentally Safe, Affordable Technology

The Mk 77 Mod 0 Gas Generator countermeasure launch tube used on U.S. Navy submarines is currently constructed from 1026 carbon steel. The launch tube O-ring seal surfaces are exposed to seawater and are subject to corrosion resulting in a two yearservice life. A polymer composite material is required that can replace the steel and extend the service life of the launch tube to 10 years. Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. proposes to develop a lightweight, low cost, corrosion-free polymercomposite material to replace the corrosion prone steel. The composite material will meet the current launch tube design requirements including hydrostatic pressure, underwater explosive shock, shipboard vibration and ordnance testing. The compositematerial will be non-water soluble, will not show significant degradation and will be able to form water tight seals over a 10 year service life. During the Phase II Project prototype composite countermeasure launch tubes will be designed, fabricated,tested and qualified for installation aboard a test submarine for fleet trials. At the conclusion of the project a fleet qualified production version composite launch tube will be ready for submarine service.