Hybrid material based undersea radome

Abstract

Disclosed is a hybrid material-based seabed radome. The seabed radome can include a cover hemisphere having an open interior, a cover cylinder having an open interior and having an insert provided on an inner periphery thereof, a bracket, and a main body, wherein the bracket can include a threaded part corresponding to the insert, the bracket can be fixed to the cover cylinder in a screw manner, and the bracket can be formed of a metal material. Embodiments of the present invention can provide a seabed radome in which a material having high wave transmissivity and a material having high strength are combined to simultaneously solve the problems of low wave transmissivity and vulnerability in a high water pressure environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid material-based submarine radome, and more particularly to a hybrid material-based submarine radome in which quartz and titanium materials are combined to simultaneously ensure strength and wave transmission and also provide watertightness at the joints. Background Technology

[0002] Submarine radomes are structures designed to protect submarine satellite communication and radar systems while allowing for easy wave transmissibility. Existing radome technologies primarily involve designs using a single material, but these designs are limited in their ability to maintain a balance between wave transmissibility and water pressure resistance.

[0003] In particular, materials with high wave transmittance typically have low strength and are therefore easily damaged in high water pressure environments, while conversely, high-strength materials typically have low wave transmittance and thus result in poor communication performance. Furthermore, the materials and connection structures used in the prior art are also susceptible to seawater corrosion and difficult to maintain high airtightness.

[0004] Although submarine radomes made of materials such as quartz or fiberglass can provide wave transmittance, their high wave transmittance is masked by their low voltage resistance and difficulty in forming a watertight structure, as the antenna will be damaged after naval maneuvers and therefore unable to conduct satellite communications at sea. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a submarine radome in which a material having high wave transmittance and a material having high strength are combined to simultaneously address the problems of low wave transmittance and vulnerability to damage in high water pressure environments.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a submarine radome that exhibits airtightness and structural stability so as to enable long-term operation even in high water pressure environments.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a submarine radome that can minimize the increase in manufacturing costs while meeting performance requirements.

[0008] Other objects of the present invention will become clearer from the embodiments described below.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a submarine radome based on a hybrid material, comprising: a cover hemisphere having an open interior; a cover cylinder having an open interior and having an insert disposed on the inner periphery of the cover cylinder; a bracket; and a body, wherein the bracket includes a threaded component corresponding to the insert, the bracket is screw-secured to the cover cylinder, and the bracket is formed of a metallic material.

[0010] Submarine radomes based on hybrid materials can also include a cover O-ring between the cover hemisphere and the cover cylinder.

[0011] The hemispherical cover may be made of quartz, and the cylindrical cover may be made of titanium.

[0012] The hemispherical cover may further include: a coating comprising polycarbonate; a quartz layer comprising quartz material; and a reinforcing layer comprising a glass fiber reinforced polymer.

[0013] The quartz layer can have a thickness of 5mm to 10mm, and the cap cylinder can have a thickness of 15mm to 20mm.

[0014] The first flange can be formed on the lower end of the cover hemisphere, and the second flange can be formed on the upper end of the cover cylinder. The first flange and the second flange can be fixed to each other by fasteners. The cover O-ring can be placed between the first flange and the second flange, and the silicone pad and the pad elastic element can also be disposed between the first flange and the second flange.

[0015] The titanium material for the capping cylinder may include Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo, wherein the titanium material for the capping cylinder may be heat-treated at 955℃~975℃ for 45~75 minutes, at 565℃~590℃ for 8 hours, and at 620℃~650℃ for 2 hours, and may contain 75% or higher of α phase.

[0016] The second flange may further include a resilient sealing bottom, the resilient sealing bottom protruding from the second flange and having a bolt insertion hole, the resilient sealing bottom including a sloped portion, and wherein the first flange may include: a resilient sealing top, the resilient sealing top protruding from the first flange and having a bolt insertion hole; a resilient element, which is mounted in a compressed state in a spring mounting cavity of the resilient sealing top when the first flange and the second flange are connected; a push washer positioned between a push rod and the sloped portion of the resilient sealing bottom to seal the interior of the radome when the first flange and the second flange are connected; and the push rod configured to compress the resilient element and push the push washer toward the resilient sealing bottom using the compressive force of the resilient element.

[0017] One embodiment of the present invention may provide a submarine radome in which a material with high wave transmittance and a material with high strength are combined to simultaneously address the problems of low wave transmittance and vulnerability to damage in high water pressure environments.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention can also provide a submarine radome with airtightness and structural stability, which can operate stably for a long time even in a high water pressure environment.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention can also provide a submarine radome that meets performance requirements while minimizing the increase in manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid material-based submarine radome according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an assembled state.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid material-based submarine radome according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled state.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the cover connection component in a partially disassembled state.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the layered structure of the hemispherical cover. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Because this invention allows for various modifications and numerous embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to a particular mode of practice, and it should be understood that the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the description of the invention, certain detailed explanations of related techniques have been omitted where they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0025] While terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to describe various components, the terms mentioned above are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] The terminology used in this specification is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless it has a distinctly different meaning in the context, expressions used in the singular encompass plural expressions. It should be understood in this specification that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may be present or added. Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Furthermore, terms such as “about” and “substantially” used in the specification are intended to indicate the closeness to subsequent numerical values ​​when providing manufacturing tolerances or permissible ranges related to the content. These terms are used to prevent unethical infringers from unreasonably using the disclosed invention if the specification uses precise or absolute numerical values ​​to describe the invention to aid understanding.

[0028] The invention is described in more detail below using specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the invention, and the scope of protection is not limited by these embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of a hybrid material-based submarine radome is conceptually illustrated according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 The structure in the assembled state is illustrated, and Figure 2 The example shows a structure in a disassembled state.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid material-based submarine radome may include a cover hemisphere 10, a cover cylinder 20, a support 30, and a main body 40.

[0031] In a hybrid material-based submarine radome according to one embodiment of the present invention, the radome may be divided into a dome-shaped cover hemisphere 10 and a cylindrical cover cylinder 20.

[0032] The hemispherical cover 10 can be a dome-shaped component located at the top of the radome, and can be the main part for transmitting satellite communication waves.

[0033] Materials that allow for easy wave transmission are preferably used for the cover hemisphere 10. Because the cover hemisphere 10 has a hemispherical shape, its structural characteristics allow it to easily withstand strong external pressure. Therefore, even when a material that allows for easy wave transmission is used for the cover hemisphere 10, it is able to prevent damage from water pressure.

[0034] The cover cylinder 20 may have a cylindrical shape and is therefore likely to be structurally weaker than the cover hemisphere 10. Therefore, a high-strength material can be preferably used for the cover cylinder 20 so that it can easily withstand water pressure.

[0035] The bracket 30 may have a cylindrical shape with openings at the top and bottom so that its interior communicates with the interior of the cover. The bracket 30 may have threaded parts corresponding to the insert of the cover cylinder 20 and may be configured to be screwed onto and mounted on the cover cylinder 20.

[0036] The support 30 may preferably be made of a metallic material to increase resistance to underwater pressure.

[0037] Preferably, one or more cover bracket O-rings may be additionally mounted between the threaded parts on the cover bracket 30 corresponding to the cover 10 for a more airtight structure.

[0038] Furthermore, the threaded parts of the cover 10 can preferably be configured to be sealed with silicone resin.

[0039] Threads may be formed on the inner periphery of the cover bracket 30 to allow for a screw-type connection structure relative to the body 40 described below.

[0040] The body 40 may be made of metal and may have a cylindrical shape with an opening only at the top. The body 40 may have a retaining space therein, which may communicate with the interior of the cover support 30, the cover cylinder 20 and the cover hemisphere 10.

[0041] Threads may be formed at one end on the outer periphery of the body 40 to allow for a screw-type connection structure relative to the thread of the cover bracket 30.

[0042] Preferably, one or more body O-rings can be attached to the body 40 corresponding to the cover bracket 30 for a more airtight structure.

[0043] The O-ring 211 can be disposed at the connection between the cover hemisphere 10 and the cover cylinder 20. The O-ring 211 can provide an airtight seal at the connection between the cover hemisphere 10 and the cover cylinder 20.

[0044] The material of the O-ring cap 211 can be a polymer rubber. For example, the O-ring cap 211 can be fluorocarbon rubber (FKM), perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR).

[0045] Fluorocarbon rubber is a material with strong salt resistance and excellent durability, and is mainly used in offshore factories and subsea components. Perfluorinated elastomers (FFKM, Kalrez) are materials with high chemical resistance to salinity and very high durability, and can maintain high durability in extreme environments. Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) is a high-performance material based on nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and is characterized by high water resistance, high salt resistance, high abrasion resistance, and high pressure resistance. These materials are suitable for use as O-rings under saltwater and high-pressure conditions.

[0046] The hemispherical cover 10 may comprise a quartz material. Quartz offers high wave transmittance and is suitable as a material for satellite communication radomes. Quartz exhibits approximately 90% or higher wave transmittance in the 8 GHz to 12 GHz frequency band, which includes the X-band and Ku-band. Quartz also has high resistance to salinity, making it suitable for use in seawater conditions.

[0047] The cover cylinder 20 may comprise titanium. Titanium, with its light weight relative to its strength, can provide both low weight and high strength, and thus can help reduce the weight of the submarine radome while maintaining structural stability.

[0048] In addition, titanium exhibits low deformability under high pressure, high compressive strength, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it suitable for deep-sea conditions.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the layered structure of the hemispherical 10. (Example:) Figure 4 As shown, the hemispherical cover 10 may also include a coating 12 containing polycarbonate, a quartz layer 13 containing quartz material, and a reinforcing layer 14 containing glass fiber reinforced polymer.

[0050] Although quartz has high strength and hardness, it is brittle and prone to breakage. This means that quartz materials need to be treated to prevent them from shattering under the external impacts of the deep-sea environment.

[0051] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, the hemispherical cover 10 may have a polycarbonate coating 12 applied to the outer surface of the quartz layer 13 and a reinforcing layer 14 comprising a glass fiber reinforced polymer applied to the inner surface of the quartz layer 13.

[0052] Coating 12 protects the cap hemisphere 10 from impact and abrasion and increases resistance to corrosive agents such as salinity. Coating 12 also provides additional strength to the cap cylinder 20. However, since wave transmission is important in the cap hemisphere 10, a non-conductive material should be used. Therefore, polycarbonate, with its high hardness and strength but non-conductive properties, is a suitable material for coating 12.

[0053] The reinforcing layer 14 can be installed to enhance the structural strength of the entire cap hemisphere 10 and thus effectively disperse external pressure in high water pressure environments. Furthermore, the reinforcing layer 14 can compensate for the brittleness of the quartz layer 13 and prevent it from shattering.

[0054] The reinforcing layer 14 can be formed as a coating of uniform thickness applied to the inner surface of the quartz layer 13. Alternatively, the reinforcing layer 14 can be formed within a honeycomb structure on the inner surface of the quartz layer 13. When the reinforcing layer 14 is formed of uniform thickness on the inner surface of the quartz layer 13, the reinforcing layer 14 can act as a coating to prevent surface abrasion in the quartz layer 13, prevent fragmentation even in the event of breakage, and provide increased watertightness, but may slightly reduce the wave transmittance of the quartz layer 13. When the reinforcing layer 14 is formed within a honeycomb structure on the inner surface of the quartz layer 13, the reinforcing layer 14 can significantly increase the strength of the quartz layer 13 without causing a large loss of wave transmittance.

[0055] The following provides a description of a method for manufacturing a cap hemisphere 10 containing quartz material.

[0056] First, artificial quartz can be grown using a hydrothermal method, which involves growing silicate solutions under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

[0057] The grown blocky quartz can then be cut into hemispherical shapes using cutting equipment.

[0058] Then, a hemispherical quartz product can be produced by polishing the outer surface of the hemispherical quartz and hollowing out the interior.

[0059] Then, the surface roughness of the inner and outer surfaces can be minimized by polishing.

[0060] Then, heat treatment can be applied to remove fine cracks in the quartz and increase durability. Here, the temperature for heat treatment is preferably 800°C to 1000°C, and the duration of heat treatment is preferably 2 hours to 4 hours.

[0061] The reinforcing layer 14, which contains glass fiber reinforced polymer, can then be attached to the interior of the hemispherical quartz product, and the coating 12, which contains polycarbonate, can be applied to the exterior.

[0062] Then, the flange can be attached to or formed on the inside of the hemispherical quartz product.

[0063] Although the above method can be used to manufacture a cover hemisphere 10 containing quartz material, this method is only one of many examples, and the cover hemisphere 10 containing quartz material is not limited to a cover hemisphere manufactured by the above method.

[0064] In a hybrid material-based submarine radome according to one embodiment of the present invention, the quartz layer 13 may have a thickness of 5 mm to 10 mm. Preferably, the quartz layer 13 of the hybrid material-based submarine radome according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a thickness of 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0065] A thickness greater than 10 mm for the quartz layer 13 of the radome may result in a significant increase in weight, a narrow internal space, and reduced wave transmittance.

[0066] The thickness of the quartz layer 13 of the radome is less than 5 mm, which may make the quartz layer 13 extremely brittle, to the point that it can be easily broken by even a small external impact.

[0067] Furthermore, in a hybrid material-based submarine radome according to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the cover cylinder 20 can be 15 mm to 20 mm.

[0068] Preferably, the cover cylinder 20 of the submarine radome based on hybrid materials according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a thickness of 16 mm to 17 mm.

[0069] A thickness greater than 20 mm for the cover cylinder 20 will require a larger amount of titanium, resulting in increased weight, a significant increase in cost due to the high cost of titanium, and a significant reduction in machinability.

[0070] A thickness of less than 15 mm for the cover cylinder 20 may not provide the required pressure resistance.

[0071] The connecting component between the cover hemisphere 10 and the cover cylinder 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is referred to herein as a cover connecting component. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first flange 11 may be formed on the lower end of the cover hemisphere 10, and a second flange 21 may be formed on the upper end of the cover cylinder 20.

[0072] The first flange 11 and the second flange 21 can be formed to face inward or outward along the diameter direction of the cover. Here, the first flange 11 and the second flange 21 can be formed inward along the diameter direction of the cover to prevent the flanges from being exposed to seawater.

[0073] Multiple first flanges 11 may be formed on the lower end of the cover hemisphere 10, and multiple second flanges 21 may be formed on the upper end of the cover cylinder 20 at positions corresponding to the first flanges 11.

[0074] The first flange 11 can be formed as an integrated component on the lower end of the cover hemisphere 10. At a position corresponding to the position of the first flange 11 on the upper end of the cover cylinder 20, the second flange 21 can be formed as an integrated component of the cover cylinder 20. The first flange 11 and the second flange 21 can be secured to each other by fasteners 215. Fasteners 215 can include bolts and nuts.

[0075] Figure 3This is an enlarged view of the cover connection component in a partially disassembled state. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The first flange 11 may include a resilient sealing top 114 for increasing the strength of the connection with the second flange 21 and improving water tightness. A resilient element mounting cavity may be formed in the resilient sealing top 114, and a resilient element 1141 may be disposed in the resilient element mounting cavity. The resilient element 1141 may activate a push rod 1142 in the pushing direction, and the push rod 1142 may push a push washer 1143 to apply pressure between the first flange 11, the resilient sealing bottom 214, and the second flange 21, thereby ensuring water tightness.

[0076] Furthermore, when the elastic element 1141 pushes the push rod 1142, and the push rod 1142 in turn pushes the push washer 1143, the push washer 1143 can push the inclined portion of the elastic sealing bottom 214 inward. Therefore, the fastener 215 can be pushed through the inner side of the fastening hole in the elastic sealing bottom 214, and the resulting increase in friction can prevent the fastener 215 from loosening.

[0077] In short, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the elastic sealing bottom 214 and the elastic sealing top 114 connecting the first flange 11 and the second flange 21 can improve water tightness and prevent the fasteners 215 connecting the cover hemisphere 10 and the cover cylinder 20 from loosening.

[0078] The elastic element 1141 can be any element with elastic properties. The elastic element 1141 can be, for example, a spring, a polymer elastomer, rubber, a wound coil, or compressed air.

[0079] Push gaskets can be made of any material that can be slightly deformed by compressive force to seal a space.

[0080] Preferably, silicone rubber or Teflon rubber can be used as the push gasket.

[0081] The O-ring 211 can be placed between the first flange 11 and the second flange 21. In addition, a cavity can be formed in the portion of the first flange 11 and the second flange 21 at the location where the O-ring 211 is placed, so that the O-ring 211 can be placed therebetween.

[0082] Additionally, one or more elastic pad elements 213 may be disposed between the first flange 11 and the second flange 21, and a silicone pad 212 may be disposed on the elastic pad elements 213. The elastic pad elements 213 may compress the silicone pad 212 to further improve waterproof performance.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the silicone pad 212 may include a hydrophilic and hygroscopic silicone material to absorb some seawater that may have seeped in. The hydrophilic and hygroscopic silicone material can absorb seawater that has seeped into the O-ring 211 of the cover due to external water pressure, and thus can help prevent seawater from flowing into the interior of the cover hemisphere 10 and the cover cylinder 20.

[0084] The titanium material for the cap cylinder 20 can be Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo. The corresponding titanium material (also known as Ti-6242) is a titanium alloy containing 6 wt% Al, 2 wt% Sn, 4 wt% Zr, and 2 wt% Mo. By using this material, the cap cylinder 20 can be provided with corrosion resistance and pressure resistance.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the titanium material for the cap cylinder 20 can be heat-treated at 955°C to 975°C for 45 to 75 minutes, at 565°C to 590°C for 8 hours, and at 620°C to 650°C for 2 hours. Furthermore, the titanium material for the cap cylinder 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include 75% or more of the α phase. Ti-6242 comprises α-phase titanium and β-phase titanium forming the microstructure. α-phase titanium is stable under normal pressure, has excellent high-temperature strength, and excellent oxidation resistance, but has low fatigue resistance. β-phase titanium has relatively excellent ductility and can provide flexibility to the entire titanium structure, increase machinability, and eliminate brittleness.

[0086] However, if the α phase content is below 75%, the strength of the cap cylinder 20 may become too low to withstand the water pressure of the deep-sea environment. Therefore, the proportion of the α phase can preferably be maintained at 75% or higher.

[0087] The preferred embodiments of the present invention provided above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, alterations, and additions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions are covered within the scope of the following claims.

[0088] Cross-reference to related applications

[0089] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0000597, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 3, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A submarine radome based on hybrid materials, the submarine radome based on hybrid materials comprising: A hemispherical cover having an open interior; A cover cylinder having an open interior and having an insert disposed on the periphery of the interior of the cover cylinder; support; as well as main body, The bracket includes a threaded component corresponding to the insert. The bracket can be fixed to the cover cylinder by screws, and The support is made of metal.

2. The submarine radome based on hybrid materials according to claim 1, wherein the submarine radome based on hybrid materials further includes a cover O-ring between the cover hemisphere and the cover cylinder.

3. The hybrid material based seabed radome of claim 2, wherein, The hemispherical cover is made of quartz material, and the cylindrical cover is made of titanium material.

4. The hybrid material based seabed radome of claim 3, wherein, The hemispherical cover also includes: A coating comprising polycarbonate; A quartz layer comprising a quartz material; and A reinforcing layer comprising a glass fiber reinforced polymer.

5. The hybrid material based seabed radome of claim 4, wherein, The quartz layer has a thickness of 5mm to 10mm, and The cover cylinder has a thickness of 15mm to 20mm.

6. The hybrid material based seabed radome of claim 5, wherein, The first flange is formed on the lower end of the cover hemisphere. The second flange is formed on the upper end of the cover cylinder. The first flange and the second flange are fixed to each other by fasteners. The O-ring is positioned between the first flange and the second flange, and The silicone pad and the pad elastic element are also disposed between the first flange and the second flange.

7. The hybrid material based seabed radome of claim 6, wherein, The titanium material of the cap cylinder includes Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo. Furthermore, the titanium material of the cap cylinder is: Heat treatment at 955℃~975℃ for 45~75 minutes. Heat-treated at 565℃~590℃ for 8 hours, and Heat treatment at 620℃~650℃ for 2 hours It also contains 75% or more of the α phase.

8. The hybrid material based seabed radome of claim 7, wherein, The second flange also includes: A resilient sealing bottom protrudes from the second flange and has a bolt insertion hole. The bottom of the elastic seal includes a sloped portion. And wherein, the first flange includes: A resilient sealing top, which protrudes from the first flange and has a bolt insertion hole; An elastic element is installed in a compressed state in the spring mounting cavity of the top of the elastic seal when the first flange and the second flange are connected. A push washer, positioned between the push rod and the inclined portion of the resilient seal bottom, is used to seal the interior of the hybrid material-based submarine radome when the first flange and the second flange are joined; and The push rod is configured to compress the elastic element and push the push washer toward the bottom of the elastic seal by using the compressive force of the elastic element.

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