SNAP-21 is a two-phase project to develop a series of compact
strontium-90 power systems for deep-sea and ocean-bottom uses
(20,000-foot depths). The first phase of design and component
development on a basic 10-watt system already has been completed, and a
second phase development and test effort now under way will extend
through 1970. A series of power sources in the 10- and 20-watt range
will be available for general purpose deep-ocean application.
The SNAP-23 project involves the development of a series of economically
attractive strontium-90 power systems for remote terrestrial uses. This
project will result in 25-watt, 60-watt, and 100-watt units capable of
long-term operation in surface buoys, offshore oil platforms, weather
stations, and microwave repeater stations.
In addition to the above, effort is underway by the AEC to develop an
isotope-fueled heater that will be used by aquanauts in the Navy’s
Sealab Program (see page 12). Future activities, now being planned, will
involve the development of large isotope power sources (1-10 electric
kilowatts) and small nuclear reactors (50-100 kilowatts) for use in
manned and unmanned deep-ocean platforms.
Ocean Engineering
Considerable engineering experience has been derived from the work of
federal agencies in development of the largest taut-moored instrumented
buoy system ever deployed in the deep ocean. Developed by Ocean Science
81 Engineering, Inc., it is useful in observation and prediction of
environmental changes.
The system embodies substantial advances in design. It incorporates,
among other features, an acoustically commanded underwater winch for
adjustment of the mooring depth after the buoy is deployed, and for
recovering a 16,000-pound submerged data-recording instrument canister.
This buoy system can survive being moored in up to 18,000-foot depths of
the open ocean for upward of 30 days.
The very first deep-ocean, taut-moored buoy system was developed for the
government in 1954, and has since become an important tool for
oceanographers and others who seek stable instrument platforms at sea.
The buoys have the advantage of minimizing horizontal movement due to
currents, winds, and waves.
The National Marine Consultants Division of Interstate Electronics
Corporation has developed for the government a system for measuring the
propagation of seismic sea waves (tsunamis).
Work of these sorts contributes materially to reliable ocean
engineering. And the measurements made by these sophisticated
instruments contribute to our knowledge of ocean fluid dynamics and wave
mechanics.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account