Original Date: 05/23/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Torpedo propulsion test systems were upgraded at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport recently to accommodate the more rigorous test requirements of the new MK 48 ADCAP and MK 50 torpedoes.

The Heavyweight Afterbody/Tailcone Dynamometer Test Stand includes a new variable load dynamometer and a higher pressure test chamber to simulate test depths to 160% of the maximum operating pressure. It also provides temperature conditioned fluids to more realistically simulate extreme operating environments of 34 to 95 degrees F. Automation on this test stand using an HP1000 computer has reduced test personnel requirements from four to one. A major torsional vibration problem was significantly reduced using a detailed math model on the test stand to select an appropriate rubber element shaft manufactured by Spicer Company.

Heavyweight propulsion accessories are tested on stands specifically designed for each component, automated where possible with a Hewlett Packard 310 computer using the industry standard instrumentation interface bus. A centralized conditioning unit circulates hot and cold refrigerant fluids around the laboratory to economically provide individual test stands with temperature conditioned test fluids and test item environments.

Lightweight torpedo component test stands and a Steam Turbine Test facility were also built utilizing similar technologies, automated with HP 310 computers and GPIB instrumentation. Operator training has been reduced and testing parameters are more easily controlled and repeated.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.