Shape memory alloy composite fabric pressure vessel and diving suit
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsThomas E Hansen, Lewis B Shattuck, IV, Simon E Freeman, Rylan C King
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Abstract
A shape memory alloy composite fabric and a method of use is provided in underwater pressure vessels and as flexible joints in atmospheric diving suits. The atmospheric diving suit internal pressure is one atmosphere for underwater transit to and from an underwater work site. During operations at a work site, the shape memory alloy joints transform to a martensite phase and enable greater flexibility while the pressure in the atmospheric diving suit equalizes with ambient depth pressure.
Claims11
A pressure vessel for underwater use, said pressure vessel comprising:
- a shape memory alloy composite fabric;
- wherein said composite fabric has a martensite phase such that said composite fabric is elastic;
- wherein said composite fabric has an austenite phase such that said composite fabric is rigid and such that the austenite phase defines an interior volume of said pressure vessel with the composite fabric having a strength capable of withstanding an ambient hydrostatic pressure at a water depth where said pressure vessel is deployed.
A method of use for a pressure vessel with a shape memory alloy composite fabric, said method comprising the steps of:
- transforming the pressure vessel from a martensite phase to an austenite phase in an underwater vessel containing the pressure vessel;
- placing a human being in the pressure vessel at a pressure of one atmosphere;
- launching the pressure vessel from the underwater vessel with the human being inside;
- and
- floating the pressure vessel to a water surface while maintaining the pressure of one atmosphere in the pressure vessel.
A hybrid one-person articulated anthropomorphic submersible diving suit, said suit comprising:
- a plurality of joints in each of a right arm, a left arm, a right leg and a left leg of said suit;
- and
- at least one of said plurality of joints in at least one of said right arm, said left arm, said right leg and said left leg includes a shape memory alloy composite fabric;
- wherein said shape memory alloy composite fabric joints are rigid in an austenite phase to maintain a pressure of one atmosphere in an interior of said suit.
A method of use for a hybrid one-person articulated anthropomorphic submersible diving suit wherein the suit includes a plurality of joints in each of a right arm, a left arm, a right leg and a left leg of the suit and at least one of the plurality of joints in at least one of the right arm, the left arm, the right leg and the left leg includes a shape memory alloy composite fabric, said method of use comprising the steps of:
- maintaining the at least one of the plurality of composite fabric joints in an austenite phase to maintain a pressure in the suit at one atmosphere;
- and
- transiting a human being underwater within the suit to an underwater work site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.