depths before the system hsis proven itself. PYRONOL promises a 

 new and somewhat revolutionary power source for iinderwater tools 

 design. Pull exploitation of this new capability is intended for 

 the future. 



NITINOL . "niere are requirements for especially designed, 

 hand-held, unpowered tools. In particular. Explosive Ordnance 

 Disposal (EOD) divers need knives and other items which are 

 nonmagnetic. An underwater diver's knife made from an NOL develop- 

 ed nickel-titanl;«n alloy (NITINOL) has proved superior to present 

 divers' knives during recent tests performed at EOD Facility, 

 Indian Head, Md. Its edge holding qualities were so good that 

 the NITINOL knife took only one-third of the strokes necessary 

 to cut through a 3- inch manila rope than the knife now used. 

 Prom this favorable evaluation, it is expected that other NITINOL 

 nonmagnetic tools such as chisels, wrenches, etc., will become 

 available where strength, hardness, corrosion-resistance and edge 

 holding characteristics are required. Work will continue on this, 

 type of tool in the future. 



SUMMARY 



The tools described in this paper all perform relatively 

 simple functions under water. All are hand-held or hand-emplaced, 

 and were designed originally for use at lOOO-ft. depths or less. 

 Each satisfies a particular, well defined need. Prom this begin- 

 ning, what may be anticipated in the future? Pirst, it is expected 

 that variations of these tools will be required to satisfy addi- 

 tional requirements. Remote handling from a vehicle may be need- 

 ed. This might generate the need for electrical firing systems, 

 modifications necessary to interface with manipulators, aind deeper 

 operating depth capabilities. In that connection, most tools 

 described in this paper have been subjected to tests at under- 

 water depths that exceed design depths. Table I includes maximum 

 test depths at which successful shots have been fired. No data 

 exist for depths at which failures might occur due to excessive 

 external pressures. It should not be concluded from data on 

 meiximura test depths, that a design could successfully be achieved 

 for that depth although there is every indication of it. Second, 

 more tools to satisfy other relatively simple requirements may 

 be needed. An example is the rapid cutting of metal plates at any 

 depth. Third, fixed tools to perform routine functions on a set 

 time schedule or in response to coded acoustic signals may be 

 required. In fact, remotely controlled valves on imderwater oil 

 wells are a reality today. It appears that the list of possible 

 requirements for vinderwater tools in the future is dependent only 

 on one's imagination. However, it must be concluded that, because 

 of the expenses involved, development efforts should be expended 

 only on those tools for which definite requirements exist. 



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