DD(X) UNDEX
DD(X) Machinery and Electronics Shock Mitigated Rafting: Design Concepts

Mr. Sean Murphy, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems
Dr. Russ Miller, Anteon

Mr. Vin Godino, Anteon
Mr. Skip Dickson, Anteon
Mr. Jeff O'Brien, Anteon

Abstract:

The DD(X) approach for reducing the shock environment for machinery and electronics equipment is to employ shock mitigated rafting systems.  The reduced shock environment allows for the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or modified COTS (MOTS) equipment rather than heavier and more expensive shock hardened equipment.  The shock mitigated rafts are designed to meet a shock environment defined by the shock response spectra (SRS) criteria.  The equipment is designed and tested to withstand the same SRS criteria.  To demonstrate that raft shock levels are acceptable, a rafting design approach is presented that is based on modeling and simulation (M&S) tools that have undergone a formal verification, validation and accreditation (VV&A) process.

This overview of the DD(X) rafting concept design effort covers alternative concept trade studies, design requirements and constraints.  The desired rafting approach promotes cost reduction and low weight solutions.  Cost reduction is achieved through the use of modularity, off-ship outfitting, the use of COTS/MOTS items and minimizing maintenance costs.  Weight reduction is obtained through the use of high performance isolation systems that reduce the loading on the rafts and the selection of high stiffness and low weight members.

Test articles were built and tested as part of the VV&A process.  Standard MIL-S-901D heavy weight tests using the floating shock platform (FSP) were performed.  An introduction to the test articles is presented along with sample comparisons between pre-test predictions and actual test data.

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