ZKXKZ LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N171-068

Description

ZKxKZ proposes to identify and demonstrate several new material solutions that will upgrade the performance of the surface coating of capstans used in the towed array handling systems of SSNs. Candidate surfacing materials will be selected with the objective of demonstrating a 40% increase in friction coefficient between the coating and towed array, compared to the current baseline of shot peened metal. Material samples of each candidate will be prepared, then tested to measure friction coefficient, wear behavior, adhesion to the CuNi substrate, long term stability after exposure to Isopar and saltwater, and other measurements identified by the Navy during PI. In parallel we will compare several alternative methods for installing the coating on the capstan, either while the capstan remains inside the SSNs ballast tank, or after the capstan has been removed from the SSN. Each application approach will be evaluated for the methods ability to be applied uniformly with a coating thickness of between 0.0005 and 0.02-inch, and, when being applied with the capstan inside the tank, to complete the application of the coating replacement procedure within the timeframe of a single dive by repair technicians.