EFFECTS OF THE DEEP-OCEAN ENVIRONMENT ON MATERIALS - A PROGRESS REPORT 

 Task Y-F015-01-00l(c) 

 Type C 



by 

 Kenneth 0. Gray 



OBJECT OF TASK 



To develop systems and techniques for construction in deep-ocean areas. 

 The task envisages obtaining all necessary data to permit engineers to 

 design, construct, and install required structures and equipment in deep- 

 ocean areas. 



ABSTRACT 



A research program to determine what materials are suitable for 

 use in the construction of deep-ocean structures and facilities is delineated. 

 The program, initiated in Aug-ast 1959^ involves (l) the exposure of a vide 

 variety of constructional materials in deep-ocean environments, and (2) 

 the exposvire of companion specimens in laboratory-simulated deep-ocean 

 environments . 



A Submersible Test Unit carrying I318 specimens of 3OI different 

 materials was placed on the ocean floor on 29 March I962 in 5300 feet 

 of water for an exposure period of 6 months. Five additional units are 

 proposed, one each for 12 and 2k months submersion at 6OOO feet and one 

 each for 6, 12, and 2U months submersion at 12,000 feet on the ocean floor, 



A system of medium sized (9-inch ID) pressure vessels capable of 

 simulating various aspects of the deep-ocean environment, with a pressure 

 range from zero to 20,000 psi, has been fabricated and will be in operation 

 early in Fy-63. A large (l8-inch ID) pressure vessel with similar capabilities 

 is under procurement and is expected to be in operation in FY-63. 



