Vibration isolation modules (VIM) for towed array streamers

A towed streamer comprising:

• a central core, said central core including a longitudinal core tube;
• a fluted central member extending longitudinally in the core tube and forming a plurality of longitudinal grooves;
• a plurality of longitudinally extending non-compliant strength members aligned within the longitudinal grooves of said fluted central member;
• a gel disposed within the core tube of said central core and surrounding said fluted central member and said non-compliant strength members;
• a data bearer layer disposed annularly about said central core, said data bearer layer including data bearer wires, a gel filling, and a wrapping;
• a plurality of compliant strength members positioned on said data bearer layer;
• an inner jacket formed over and around said plurality of compliant strength members;
• and
• an outer jacket encasing said inner jacket, whereby said compliant strength members render the streamer compliant for a predetermined elongation, after which the non-compliant strength members act to render the streamer non-compliant.

A towed streamer comprising:

• a central core;
• a plurality of compliant strength members braided with respect to one another and positioned annularly about said central core;
• a gel disposed about said plurality of compliant strength members on said central core;
• an inner jacket formed over and around said plurality of compliant strength members;
• and
• an outer jacket encasing said inner jacket, whereby said braided compliant strength members render the streamer compliant for a predetermined elongation, after which said braided compliant strength members frictionally engage on another and said central core to render the streamer non-compliant.