Novel low density composites for deep ocean vehicles Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-220 Topic Title: Novel low density composites for deep ocean vehicles Proposal No.: N103-220-0674 Firm: Materials Modification Inc 2809-K Merrilee Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22031-4429 Contact: T.S. Sudarshan Phone: (703) 560-1371 Web Site: www.matmod.com Abstract: The goal of this Phase I, is to develop and conduct a feasibility demonstration of a novel low density 6500 meter man-rated syntactic foam on a laboratory scale. The overall system will be able to produce a low density (30+2/-1 pcf) that is capable of use on a 6500 meter operational depth Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV). This Phase I should demonstrate key technologies for providing structurally enhanced glass microsphere coatings integrated into the syntactic foam concept. Benefits: The anticipated benefits of this technology are increased vehicle performance, in addition to enhanced fuel efficiency, and design flexibility. The ability to dramatically decrease the density of syntactic foams has been an increasing area of interest in both Military and Commercial markets. Besides the obvious military applications of low density syntactic foams, this technology could be applied to a range of applications from composite aircraft structures to energy absorbing bumper/crash protection inserts for automotive use, research and development of lightweight composites, as well as opening the way for further exploration of the depths of the ocean (more is known about the surface of the moon, than the depths of the ocean). Return