PREFACE

The ocean depths have evoked wonder and fear ever since their expansive. mobile
surface was viewed by an ancestor millennia ago. These emotions actually have
magnified with time and with growing sophistication in exploring and exploiting the
deep ocean. Thus our probes—instrument, sampling, and man-carrying-have found
unbelievable life forms existing, apparently contentedly, in an ever-changing, high-
pressure liquid environment, and sufficient scientific, technological and economic
challenges to keep whole populations gainfully and happily engaged for many more
millennia. And replacing (almost completely) the imaginary monsters of the deep arc
well-authenticated ones, casually and ceaselessly crisscrossing and equipped with
powers great enough to destroy any surface ship and, indeed, whole cities and nations
hundreds of miles away.
Man has reacted strongly to such stimuli. Survival elicited the more vigorous
response, and underwater-missile weapons, called torpedoes, are being readied to
destroy the current monsters, called submarines, by an explosive charge carried to
their sides. A similar missile with instruments instead of explosives can also explore
the depths and so man's fear may be mitigated and his curiosity satisfied by a single
technology: that of underwater guided missiles.
In contrast to space, where new propulsion methods were required to perform first-
generation tasks, state-of-the-art techniques could be adapted to propel the first
underwater missiles. But as underwater performance requirements increase, more
specialized propulsion will be demanded, first in torpedoes and then in probes. This
volume provides a technical and descriptive background on the propulsion of
unmanned underwater missiles.
Because the lion's share of underwater missile propulsion technology has been
developed for a weapon and therefore lies in a defense-sensitive area. this book did
not move to press quickly: the quasi-legal process of appropriate “sanitization”
required well over two years. Although, necessarily, information on actual torpedoes
is excluded, basic technology on underwater missile propulsion, including examples,
is contained in the book.
The book comprises thirty-one articles prepared by experts. Most are from papers
originally presented at classified meetings of the American Institute of Aeronautics
and Astronautics, a few from previous AIAA publications, and a number newly
prepared. Virtually all were extensively modified for the book. They arc grouped in
the order next discussed.
The initial section of the book is an “Introduction to Underwater Missile Propulsion.”
It discusses objectives of torpedo propulsion and some objectives of instrumented
missiles, the latter based on selected examples. A theoretical comparison of rocket,
heat, and fuel cell engines for underwater missiles is included. Since the purposes of
various missiles differ, optimum power plants also differ; fortunately, there arc
enough potential engine types to fit virtually any missile need. Certain power plant
adaptations are very efficient in the underwater environment, and even some rockets
have propulsive performances at great depths that far exceed their capabilities in air,
despite the greater back pressure underwater.
As indicated in the section on "Underwater Missile Propulsors” rotating propellers
are generally used, since they are efficient at die relative low speeds that are common
underwater. Shrouding the propeller to produce a pumpjet often provides means to
better match the thruster and powerplant, and fundamental-empirical methods used in
designing pumpjets is covered. Despite relative inefficiency underwater, rocket
thrusters may have dieir place, if specialized new propellants are used, together in
some instances with missile staging.

"Underwater Missile Drag,” some three orders of magnitude greater dial! in sea-
level air, is the obstacle to underwater movements. Methods of estimating the drag of
missiles are described; these are not simple exercises for the uninitiated. Specialized
shapes reduce drag by delaying turbulance, and certain materials introduced into die
boundary layer reduce drag of normal body shapes by mechanisms as yet unknown.

Batteries are commonly used to power "Electrical Engines for Underwater Missile
Propulsion.” However, their performance potential would improve if diey better fitted
the available space in the missile, if only primary types were used, and if more potent
electrochemical couples were developed. Alternatively, electricity can be supplied to
the missile engines by a thin wire from a generator located at the launch platform.
Whatever electrical system is used, the energy source-enginc-propulsor combination
must be optimized as a unit. A wild-blue-yonder electrical propulsion possibility, also
discussed, is an MHD-powered water pump that may be entirely silent.

The state of the art of reciprocating and turbine "Heat Engines for IJnderwat:..’.' M:
isilet'’ к well advanced. They require specialized propellants and compatible
thermodynamic cycles. In the usual open-cycle system, the engine gases exhaust
directly to the environment, and performance decreases with depth. The most
energetic underwater propellant combinations are niótál 'fuels tirat react with sea
water. If used at great depth in an open-cycle system, these propellants sh Jtf
bcTmincd at very great internal pressures— 15,000 psi is one sugg/wо n - to provide
a high pressure ratio—for the engine. Closed cycle's in which the propellant products
exchange their heat to the engine working fluid are also suitable for underwater
missiles. Nuclear energy, used in this same maimer, can provide virtually unlimited
range.

Whether the purpose of the underwater missile is to destroy or to observe,

internally produced noises are distracting in an environment where sound i a primary
me,ills of external perception. Impacts of meshing gear teeth .'.re V major source of
noise at a spectrum of frequencies. The background of gear noise reduction, some of
its theory, and means to effect its minimization arc discussed in the section on "Gear
Noise of Underwater Missiles.”
Initial testing of new underwater missiles and components is best performed out of
the ocean. As a result, a testing regime has evolved: from static to tethered to free-
flight. Examples are described in the section on "Propulsion Test Facilities for
Underwater Missiles.” Al! such facilities are very specialized, including the final one
described whose purpose is to elucidate torpedo gear noises.
As is probably true of all such compilations of papers, this one does nor completely
cover its subject. Nevertheless, it provides the best available modem coverage of
underwriter missile propulsion.. It is the Editor's hope that it will whet appetities of
its readers for further information on this growing discipline and provide an
awareness of what can be done.
The Editor has many a “thank you” to make. These arc to CETEC Corporation,
Mountain View, Calif.; United Technology Center, Sunnyvale. Calif.; and to
Texaco Experiment, Inc., Richmond, Va.; all organizations who have furnished direct
assistance to him in preparing the book. Thanks also go to the ^American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics, who graciously made many papers available, and most
important, to the numerous authors and to their organizations, half Naval and half
industrial, who labored so long and hard on manuscripts; to diem I also say, "well
done!”
December 1967
Leonard Greiner, Volume Editor
CETEC Corporation Mountain View,
California
 Contents
INTRODUCTION TO TORPEDO PROPULSION
Leonard Greiner, Scientist, Research and Development, Calif.
DESIGN OF UNDERSEA INSTRUMENTED MISSILES
J. M. Allison, Senior Technical Specialist, Missiles Engineering, North
American Aviation, Inc., Columbus, Ohio.
THEORETICAL PERFORMANCES WITH HYDROGEN-OXYGEN AS
PROPELLANT OF PERFECT ROCKET, HEAT, AND FUEL-CELL
ENGINES IN UNDERWATER MISSILES
Leonard Greiner, Technical Assistant to Manager, Research and Advanced
Technology Department, United Technology Center, Sunnyvale, Calif.
UNDERWATER MISSILE PROPULSORS
A METHOD TO DESIGN PUMPJETS
R. E. Henderson, Assistant Professor of Engineering Research, Ordnance
Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
J. F. McMahon, Research Assistant, Ordnance Research Laboratory,
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
G. F. Wislicenus, Head, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Director,
Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel, Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State
University, University Park, Pa.
APPLICATIONS OF NEW SOLID PROPELLANTS TO UNDERWATER
ROCKETS
X
Donald E. Tryk, Chief, Technology Projects Section, United Technology Center,
Sunnyvale, Calif.
EFFECT OF STAGING ON THE RANGE OF UNDERWATER
ROCKETS
William c. Ragsdale, Aerospace Engineer, Applied Aerodynamics
* Division, u. s. Naval Ordnance Laboratory, White Oak, Silver
•I. Spring, Md.
 UNDERWATER MISSILE DRAG
SIMPLIFIED METHODS FOR ESTIMATING TORPEDO DRAG
John D. Brooks, Physicist, Underwater Ordnance Dept., Naval Undersea
Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
Thomas G. Lang, Research Mechanical Engineer, Underwater Ordnance Dept.,
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif,
UNDERWATER DRAG REDUCTION THROUGH OPTIMUM SHAPE
Bruce H. Carmichael, Senior Technical Specialist, Research and Engineering,
Autonetics Div., North American Rockwell Corp., Anaheim, Calif.
EFFECT OF POLYMER ADDITIVES ON FLUID FRICTION
J. w. Hoyt, Head, Propulsion Div.. Underwater Ordnance Dept., Naval Undersea
Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
A. G. Fabula, Staff Scientist, Applied Science Div., Naval Undersea Warfare
Center, Pasadena, Calif.
EXPERIMENTAL MODEL STUDIES OF NON-NEWTONIAN
SOLUBLE COATINGS FOR DRAG REDUCTION
s. Thurston, Chief, Advanced Underwater Systems Group, Norair Div.,
Northrop Corporation, Hawthorne, Calif.
R. D. Jones, Senior Engineer, Nortronics Div., Northrop Corp., Hawthorne,
Calif.
ELECTRICAL ENGINES
XI
FOR UNDERWATER MISSILES
BATTERIES FOR TORPEDOES
Francis G, Murphy, Head of the Electrical Engineering Div..
Research Dept.. Naval Underwater Weapons Research and Engineering Station,
Newport. R. I.
WIRE TRANSMITTED ELECTRICAL POWER FOR TORPEDO
PROPULSION
R. M. Dunlap, Associate Director for Research, Naval Underwater Weapons
Research and Engineering Station, Newport, R. 1.
 w. R. Cox, Head, Power Branch, Electrical Engineering Div., Research Dept.,
Naval Underwater Weapons Research and Engineering Station, Newport, R. I.
ANALYSIS OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC TORPEDO
POWERPLANTS
M. L. Henderson. Staff Engineer, Electromechanical Systems, General Electric
Co., Pittsfield, Mass.
APPLICATION OF A SPECIAL MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC
INDUCTION COMPRESSOR TO UNDERSEA PROPULSION
Eugene Migotsky Senior Consulting Scientist, Applied Physics
Section, AVCO Corporation, Wilmington, Mass.
Joseph L. Neuringer, Senior Consulting Scientist, Applied
Physics Section, AvCO Corporation, Wilmington, Mass.
HEAT ENGINES FOR UNDERWATER MISSILES TORPEDO
PROPELLANTS
Leonard Greiner, Technical Assistant to Manager, Research and
Advanced Technology Dept., United Technology Center, Sunnyvale, Calif.
LITHIUM AND SODIUM AS WATER-REACTIVE FUELS FOR
TORPEDO PROPULSION
William D. White, Thermodynamics Branch, Naval Undersea
Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
A SEA-WATER-ALUMINUM TORPEDO PROPULSION SYSTEM
Leonard Greiner, Research
XI
Associate, Texaco Experiment, Inc., Richmond, Va.
I
F. A. Hansen Jr., Project Engineer, Texaco Experiment Inc., Richmond, Va.
A CLOSED-CYCLE PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR DEEP
SUBMERGENCE
K. E. Smith, Head, Torpedo Design Branch, Torpedo Development Div.,
Underwater Ordnance Dept., Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
L. C. Hiddr,, TUI'JC:. .chine:у Branch, Propulsion Div., Underwater
Ordnance Dept., Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
INVESTIGATION OF A ONGE-TUROUGH STEAM GENERATOR 317
 H. E. Karig, ConsukaTffTTjndcrwatcr Ordnance Dept., Naval
Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif. —
D. N. Jackley, Mechanical Engineer, Underwater Ordnance
Dept., Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
L. G. Hiddc, Mcchancial Engineer, Underwater Ordnance
Dept., Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
RADIOISOTOPE AND REACTOR NUCLEAR POWER FOR
UNDERSEA MISSILE PROPULSION
К. E. Buck. Principal Nuclear Engineer, Nuclear Engineering and
Manufacturing Operations, Aerojet-General Corp., San Ramon, Calif.
El. K. McClucr, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Nuclear Engineering
and Manufacturing Operations, Aerojet-General Corp., San Ramon, Calil.
GEAR NOISES OF UNDERWATER MISSILES
INTRODUCTION TO ACOUSTICAL ENGINEERING OF GEAR
TRANSMISSIONS
Darle w. Dudley, General Electric Company, Lynn, Mass.
ACOUSTIC STUDIES ON POWER TRANSMISSIONS
Moe William Rosen, Senior Propulsion Research Engineer and
Scientist, Propulsion Div., Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
Pasadena, Calif.
GEAR NOISE CONTROL BY MANIPULATING TOOTH
COMPRESSIVE STRESSES
John Maddock, Consulting
XI Engineer, Lomita, Calif.
II
PROPULSION TEST FACILITIES FOR UNDERWATER MISSILES
TORPEDO PROPULSION TEST FACILITY
G. E. Anderson, Project Engineer, Experimental Test, Rcscnrch Dept., u. s.
Naval Undcrwatrr Ordnance Station, Newport, R. I. _
THE GARFIELD THOMAS WATER TUNNEL
August F. Lehman, Head, Water Tunnel Division. Occanics Inc.: formerly
Associate Professor of Engineering Research Pennsylvania Stale University,
University Park, Pa.
 Thomas 1’. Peirce, Project Leader, Drag Reduction Program. Ordnance
Rcscnrch Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
THE HIGH SPEED BASIN AND INSTRUMENTATION OF THE NAVAL
SHIP
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER
К. E. Schoenhcrr, Past TẽcTĩnĩcal DnLiíýíiy.-, V.ylzotMcchanics Laboratoiv.
Naval Ship Research and Development Cenler. Washingion, D. c.
w. F. Brownell, Assistant Head, Hydromechanics Laboratory. Naval Ship
Research and Development Center, Washington. D. c.
THE AEROJET RING CHANNEL
Joseph Levy, Manager, Hydrodynamics Staff, Aerojet-General
Corp, Azusa, Calif.
THE UNDERWATER CABLEWAY
J. w, Hoyt, Head, Applied Science Div., Ocean Technology Dept., Naval
Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
A TORPEDO TEST FACILITY SUSPENDED UNDER WATER
Eric D. Swanson, Mechanical Engineer, Turbomachinery Branch, Propulsion
Div., Underwater Ordnance Dept., Naval
Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
James H. Green, Hea<L Turbomachinery Branch Propulsion Div., Underwater
Ordnance Dept., Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pasadena, Calif.
AN OPERATIONAL
XI
UNDERWATER THREE-DIMENSIONAL
ACOUSTIC TRACKING VSYSTEM
w. M. Sandstrom, Deputy Director, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of
Washington, Seattle, Wash.
QUIET HIGH SPEED TRANSMISSION DRIVE FACILITY
Moe William Roscrii Senior Propulsion Research Engineer arid Scientist,
Prop&ion Div., Naval Undersea Warfare Center,
 INTRODUCTION TO TORPEDO PROPULSION*
Leonard Greiner^
CETEC Corporation, Mountain View, California
Abstract
The subsystems of a torpedo powerplant arc optimized to accomplish the
task of the weapon-- to destroy a surface ship or a submarine. Since these
targets can outdistance a prematurely detected torpedo and sonar is used for
detection, noise from the torpedo propulsion mechanism must be low.
Methods to reduct underwater drag can improve torpedo performance if the
associated mechanisms do not replace a disproportionately large por tion of
the powerplant. Propeller-type thrusters are always used in torpedoes, and
shrouded propellers (pumpjets) often permit a better match between thruster
and engine. Since the propulsion-energy source is the greatest volume of any
torpedo subsystem, batteries for electrical torpedoes and propellants for heat
engines are sought with greater energy densities, as are more efficient
electrical motors and heat engines. He a t
i engines, including their propellants, cycles, and mechanical
parts, must be optimized as a unit, and specialized heat engine, can operate
independently of depth.
Introduction
Torpedoes have evolved from immobile h Ldden underwa ter bomb
(resembling mines) to explosives attached by spar or cable tv moving ships or freely
floating on water and guided by expect currents, through several generations with
crude internal propulsion and guidance, and finally to today’s sophisticated Si If ,
propelled and guided underwater missile. Present torpedoes
attack moving targets at great distances, so their powerplants are important.
This paper is a qualitative introduction to t1 sub jcc t of modern torpedo
propulsion. Whi 1c torpedoes forme I