FOAM GENERATOR SYSTEM TO INFLATE THE PK-2 LIFE RAFT.

Four possible approaches were investigated to determine which approach most closely met the Navys performance specifications for deploying and inflating the PK-2 life raft. The four approaches investigated were Use preformed flexible foam as a means for deploying and inflating the raft. Use two-component liquid polyurethane reactants in conjunction with simplified mixing equipment to produce semi-rigid foam-inflating material. Use solid-reactant urethane foam ingredients disposed on a suitable substrate in combination with a pyrotechnic heating device to initiate the foam reaction. Use foams from polymers dissolved in liquified gases these foams are produced by venting the components from a pressurized container. Each of these approaches showed some degree of feasibility. However, some of the approaches are further advanced toward practicality or are more suitable for life raft requirements than are others. Each approach is treated as a separate entity since there is little or no dependence or relationship of one approach to another.