Vibration-Damping Extended Range MK 48 Composite Tank Optimized for Automated Production

ZKxKZ and a team of subject matter experts in design, analysis and production of maritime composite structures propose to apply new “double-double” composite theory to create an updated fuel tank for the MK 48 torpedo. Two types of composite hull structure will be evaluated, a lattice grid-stiffened shell, and a sandwich panel shell without internal stiffening. Range extension of 20% is anticipated to result from a combination of greater than 10% weight reduction, elimination of most or all internal structure from the baseline aluminum tank, and addition of a polymer bladder to isolate fuel from sea water that bleeds into the tank to compensate external pressure as fuel burns. The Phase I design study will include consideration of the addition of vibration and self-noise damping features to the tank’s fore and aft  interfaces. The team includes technologists from Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, who will contribute their vast experience in underwater systems design and production, reducing risk for Phase III transition. Because Phase I designs will be tailored for automated production, acquisition cost of the composite tank will be less than the current aluminum structure. Phase I will include fabrication and demonstration of a prototype bladder.