Innovative Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials for Acoustic Window Applications (MSC P1B16-214)

"Low insertion loss material systems currently used for sonar windows have been shown to have difficulty meeting the structural properties required for undersea operation. The objective of the research program presented in this proposal is to demonstrateinnovative fiber reinforced composite material concepts that have low insertion loss across a wide frequency range, yet have stiffness and strength characteristics necessary to survive undersea operational loads. The material solutions being developed byMaterials Sciences Corporation (MSC) do not rely on a special elastomeric tuned core to provide the required insertion loss characteristics. Rather, MSC is developing innovative hybrid continuous fiber reinforced composite designs that are compatible withlow-cost composite manufacturing processes being used to fabricate several structures on U.S. Navy combatants. Several candidate constructions were manufactured and tested during the Phase I study to establish the feasibility of the hybridization concept;this proposal outlines a Phase II research plan that includes additional material design studies, structural design, experiments to validate acoustic and structural performance and fabrication of a proof-of-concept full-scale sonar window by SeemannComposites, Inc (SCI).BENEFITS: The leading application for the materials developed under this effort will be higher performing acoustic windows for use in U.S. Navy combatants such as th