Torpedo Affordability Improvements through Alternative Gearbox Lubrication and Optimized Afterbody Systems

"A water lubricated gearbox has the potential to reduce system costs in a torpedo SCEPS propulsion system by eliminating oil lubrication seals, maintenance, and storage issues. Further, in a water based SCEPS system, a water lubricated gearbox could allowreduced parts count, complexity, and major systems/interfaces through significant integration of the gearbox with other water handling power system components. The Phase I study showed analytically that a water-lubricated gearbox is viable in short lifeapplications. Wear can be minimized with careful attention to gear geometry, material selection, and use of coatings.The Phase II effort will refine and "ground" the analysis with gear testing in water. The results from this test will help define the prominent factors of wear and provide the basis for designing a gearbox optimized for water lubrication. Other afterbodycomponents will also be examined to understand how the system can be simplified with and without integration with a water lubricated gearbox. A prototype gearbox will be designed and built using the gear testing data and integrating as many accessories asreasonable. The Phase II option will test the gearbox to demonstrate that the water lubricated gearbox will work in the ATT application."