Storming Media: Pentagon Reports and DocumentsPentagon Reports: Fast. Definitive. Complete.     
New Account »
Forgot Password?
Advanced Search »
Earth SciencesSeismology

Embedment of the Sediment Layer Electrode Deployer (SLED): Results from 2006 Tests at Stennis Space Center

Authors: Andrew J. Quaid; Jeffrey W. Book; Mark S. Hulbert; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS OCEAN SCIENCES BRANCH
Abstract:
In 2006, five field tests were made at Stennis Space Center of a Sediment Layer Electrode Deployer (SLED). The objective was to submerge an array of vertical-plate electrodes, with a total surface area of 18,580 cm squared into anoxic sediment layers by a method that may be accomplished from research vessels. The embedded electrodes would allow power generation from the Benthic Unattended Generator (BUG) technique. Towed-deployment and vibration-deployment techniques were investigated. The best results were incomplete embedment depths ranging from 17.8 cm to 30.5 cm. Problems for towed tests included an imbalance of forces between the front and rear sections of the SLED, and a catastrophic material failure during embedment with anchor flukes. Uneven embedment during vibration-deployment may have resulted from obstacles in the sediment, a sloping bottom effect, or greater resistance to vibration as the SLED embeds. Further research and development is necessary to find an effective embedment technique.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Memorandum rept.
Pages: 15
Report Date: 21 SEP 2007
Report Number: A337274
Keywords relating to this report:
*SEDIMENTS
ANCHORS
ANOXIA
BENTHONIC ZONES
BOTTOM
CATASTROPHIC CONDITIONS
ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTION
ELECTRODES
EMBEDDING
FAILURE
FIELD TESTS
GENERATORS
LAYERS
MATERIALS
PLATYHELMINTHES
RESEARCH SHIPS
RESISTANCE
SLOPE
SURFACES
TEST AND EVALUATION
TOWED BODIES
VIBRATION
Email This Abstract