SPECIALIZED MCHORS FOR THE DEEP SEA - PROGRESS SUMMARY 



Technical Note N-1133 



YF 38.535.004.01.001 



by 



J. E. Smith, R. M. Beard, and R. J. Taylor 



ABSTRACT 



Five anchor design concepts have been explored in conjunction with 

 the program to develop an improved deep sea mooring capability. The 

 knowledge gained from study of these' anchor concepts, (1) "Free-fall", 

 (2) "Pulse- jet", (3) "Explosive", (4) "Padlock", and (5) "Vibratory", 

 are summarized in this report. 



The vibratory anchor is currently the center of the deep sea 

 anchoring development effort. A first generation design has demonstrated 

 the concept to be feasible. Tests have shown that improvements are 

 required for the vibratory anchor. An analytical study has been 

 performed to assist in optimizing a second generation design. Improve- 

 ments incorporated in the second generation design will be based on 

 information from tests of the first design and the analytical study. 

 The improved design will be tested in a range of seafloor sediment 

 types and water depths to rate its capabilities and establish its 

 reliability. 



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