Development of Gas Generators for Submarine Ballast Blowing

1This proposal describes a program to design a regenerable gas generator system which can be used safely aboard submarines. We propose to investigate a number of possible techniques using all liquid, all solid or combined liquid/solid fuel/oxidizer combinations. One candidate system which looks very attractive would use hydroxyl-ammonium-nitrate to react with surplus deisel fuel which is already on board the submarine. Other approaches, such as deisel fuel and solid ammonium-nitrate or sodium-azide pellets as used in automotive crash bags, will also be considered. The steps in the program would cover: (a) selection of the gas generant, (b) computer simulation of the gas generator reaction, (c) design of the system and (d) preparation of a validation test plan for Phase II. The design would cover twin systems, one for the forward and one for the aft ballast areas. We will provide for integration of the piping controls and combustion chambers into a typical submarine.