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dc.contributor.advisorJ. Kim Vandiver.en_US
dc.contributor.authorKearns, Sean D. (Sean David), 1968-en_US
dc.contributor.otherMassachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Ocean Engineering.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2005-08-23T18:30:55Z
dc.date.available2005-08-23T18:30:55Z
dc.date.copyright2001en_US
dc.date.issued2001en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8235
dc.descriptionThesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Ocean Engineering, 2001.en_US
dc.descriptionIncludes bibliographical references (p. 90-92).en_US
dc.description.abstractUnited States Special Forces use high-speed planing boats in the performance of their missions. Operation of these boats, particularly in rough seas, exposes the occupants to severe mechanical shock exposure that has been linked to significant increase in the rates of acute and chronic injury. While many government and civilian organizations have researched various aspects of this problem over the past decade or more, no effective solution has yet been implemented in the fleet. In response to this problem, the Commander Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego, CA forwarded a request to MIT's Ocean Engineering Department calling for a study of the problem. The object of this thesis is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problem, to research methods by which the problem can be mitigated, and to develop and validate a method for laboratory design, test, and evaluation, of shock mitigation systems. First, a theoretical and empirical study is conducted of the hydrodynamic interaction between a boat's hull and the seaway, and how this interaction results in the generation of mechanical shock. Actual acceleration data is obtained from the boats while underway in typical operating conditions, and other similar data is obtained from previous studies. Second, the mechanisms by which exposure to mechanical shock and vibration causes acute and chronic injury are investigated. Past human and animal testing is reviewed, along with information on the transmissibility and mechanical impedance of the human body. Information of this type, along with other injury data compilation studies, have contributed to existing injury prediction. Third, a study and is made of the methods by which mechanical shock exposure on high-speed boats can be mitigated. Interfaces (e.g.- hull-seaway) are identified where shock mitigation can be achieved, and existing or conceptual shock mitigation systems are discussed. Additionally, operational methods (such as training) of reducing shock exposure effects are discussed. Finally, a laboratory drop table apparatus is fabricated for use in the design, test and evaluation of shock mitigation systems. This test apparatus is validated by successful reproduction of shock events such as those experienced on high-speed boats, as well as by excellent repeatability and controllability.en_US
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityby Sean D. Kearns.en_US
dc.format.extent148 p.en_US
dc.format.extent11577772 bytes
dc.format.extent11577532 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherMassachusetts Institute of Technologyen_US
dc.rightsM.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.en_US
dc.rights.urihttp://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
dc.subjectOcean Engineering.en_US
dc.titleAnalysis and mitigation of mechanical shock effects on high speed planing boatsen_US
dc.title.alternativeMechanical shock effects on high speed planing boatsen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.description.degreeS.M.en_US
dc.contributor.departmentMassachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Ocean Engineering
dc.identifier.oclc50200001en_US


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