tsunami survival capsule design and development program...
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1 Survival Capsule LLC
Tsunami Survival Capsule Design and Development Program Utilizing
MSC Software to Support Analytical Correlation against Test Results
Julian Sharpe a,b, Aaron Acklen a and Scott Hill a,b
a IDEA International Inc, b Survival Capsule LLC. 727 2nd St, Suite A, Mukilteo, WA, 98275, USA.
Abstract- This paper outlines the use of MSC Software in the design, engineering and validation of
a Tsunami Survival Capsule. The tsunami wave is a constant threat to coastal communities in 135
countries worldwide. In December 2004 a magnitude 9.1 earthquake occurred off the west coast of
Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake caused a tsunami wave up to 30 meters high (98ft). The tsunami
claimed the lives of approximately 230,000 people. Sendai, Japan, March 2011 a magnitude 9.03
earthquake occurred creating a tsunami wave which reached heights of 40.5 meters (133ft) claiming the
lives of roughly 25,000 people.
The prediction for a future earthquake/tsunami event, made by the JMA (Japan Meteorological
Agency), for the region south of Tokyo Bay, is a death toll upwards of 250,000 people. The total exposed
coastal population exceeds 2.5 million people.
To lose this number of people to such natural disasters is not justifiable in this day and age of
scientific breakthroughs in medicine, deep space exploration, Nano technology etc. Hence, the Survival
Capsule is an attempt to mitigate some of this risk and provide people in these regions with an
alternative option.
The tsunami event is a highly hostile environment and presents many significant and demanding
requirements of such a structure which will have to endure such load cases as large object impact, sharp
object penetration, dynamic impact, shock and thermal whilst maintaining its floatation integrity.
In order to be able to simulate these conditions accurately IDEA International elected to use
MSC software which is operated on a daily basis at IDEA International on various Aerospace related
programs. For the capsule analysis, MD Nastran, DYTRAN and PATRAN were utilized.
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1. Introduction
Within the last decade the world has witnessed 2 major oceanic earthquakes and subsequent
tsunamis resulting in the deaths of roughly a quarter of a million people, displacing over 1.7 million
across 14 counties. These catastrophic tsunamis have been a wake call to coastal communities
throughout the world. There are roughly 135 countries exposed to the threat of the tsunami wave many
of which, up to recently, did not even recognize the word “tsunami”. Many nations in the Indian Ocean
did not have tsunami preparedness programs in place.
The discrepancy between countries that are prepared and those who are not is vast. Japan can
be considered one of the most tsunami prepared nations in the world today and yet statistically Japan
can still expect to lose between 8 and 10% of the population exposed to the tsunami wave. In Sendai,
Japan there were roughly a quarter of a million people exposed to the tsunami wave and about 23,000
people lost their lives of which 6000 people still remain missing. In less well prepared nations this
percentage loss factor creeps up which helps explain why so many deaths occurred during the Indian
Ocean 2004 earthquake and tsunami event.
The purpose of the tsunami Capsule is to provide people with an alternative. The people who
perish during a tsunami tend to be people who either, do not heed the warning signs (major earthquake
ground displacement), are ignorant of the dangers of the tsunami, are physically unable to evacuate to
the safe havens or do not get the warning signals in time. In certain circumstances the typical period
between earthquake event and landfall of the tsunami may be too short thus putting the whole coastal
community in danger.
The tsunami capsule can be defined as a “Personal Safety System”. It allows for immediate
isolation from the impending danger. Tsunami evacuation structures such as the capsule and vertical
evacuation towers can be divided into “fixed systems” and “variable systems”.
Figure 1: Examples of Variable and Fixed Evacuation Solutions
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The capsule shown in Figure 1 is tethered on a winch system installed in the ground thus
allowing the capsule to self-adjust to water height. The evacuation tower is a fixed height structure.
The tsunami capsule is classified as a variable system and the vertical evacuation tower is
classified as a fixed system. Once one has committed to a vertical evacuation tower then one is
dependent on the water height not exceeding that of the tower. The capsule on the other hand when
installed with the tether system, varies position with water height and is highly adaptable to changing
water depth.
What is the motivation and inspiration for such a device? The sheer volume of water and speed
(on average 25 mph) associated with a large tsunami wave initiated by a magnitude 9.0 or larger
earthquake, is enough to guarantee instant death when making contact with the victims. If you add to
this a mixture of destroyed buildings, vehicles, broken glass, splintered timber etc. there is really no
hope of survival.
However, if it is possible to separate people from this destructive mixture then it is possible to
preserve lives – many lives.
Figure 2: Minamisanriku City Disaster Management Centre
The building depicted in Figure 2 is the Disaster Management Center in Minamisanriku, Miyagi
Prefecture. At the time of the tsunami, about thirty (30) municipal officials evacuated to the rooftop but
only ten (10) officials survived. The water level reached the roof top and swept approximately 20
officials away.
The capsules can be mounted on the flat roof tops of office buildings, schools, retail
establishments, hospitals airports as well as being easily acceptable for occupants of family dwellings
either located within yards, on balcony’s, in garages or within homes.
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2. The Tsunami Capsule
The tsunami capsule is not an innovative structure, it does not utilize advanced materials it is
based on a very simple structural design philosophy which appears throughout the Aerospace Industry
and that is “light weight and strong”.
The capsule design benefits from analytical methods, technology and testing approaches which
we use on a daily basis to achieve our aerospace design, analysis and certification commitments. In this
case numerous MSC Software programs were used such as PATRAN, NASTRAN, and DYTRAN.
Figure 3: Two Person Tsunami Survival Capsule
The capsule, as shown in Figure 3, consists of two hemispherical shells spun from flat circular
blanks and formed over a die. The interior structural frame is made up of aluminum tubing. The capsule
floor is light weight and perforated to allow moisture drainage to the bilge area. The seats are attached
to structure at floor height thus contributing to a very low center of gravity.
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The capsule is also fitted with a marine style door, two (2) marine spec windows, two (2)
sealable air vents, two (2) hoisting points top and bottom, two (2) racing style seat with head restraint,
lateral support for torso and legs and a four (4) point rapid release harness belt system. The interior of
the capsule is equipped with dual air supply, storage for survival supplies, fresh water storage bladders
for below the floor, a GPS system and beacon.
The capsule functions are (i) that it is used during the tsunami event to protect the occupants
and (ii) during the post tsunami event it will provide warmth and shelter. Because the capsule was
designed with thermal exposure due to debris filed fires in mind the interior surface is left bare (paint
free) and the inner surface is lined with a thermal insulation blanket material. This helps to protect the
occupants from exposure to debris field fires and the lack of interior surface protection eliminates the
occurrence of off gassing. Hence the thermal insulation will help in maintaining a lower internal
temperature during a thermal encounter and maintain the interior temperature during the post tsunami
survival period. Figure 4 depicts the type of thermal events which the capsule is designed for.
Figure 4: Debris Field Fire Occurrences – Sendai, Japan
The capsule door is designed to be opened and closed by the occupants and also can be accessed from
the outside using an international standard marine door key. The door hinge is designed with a quick
release pin such that should there be an obstruction outside the capsule the door can be removed
easily. The capsule installation includes the option to tether the capsule to a winch and 150 feet of
cable. The cable is attached to the capsule via a fuse pin designed to break just beneath the structural
capability of the capsule. Also the capsule comes with a manually operated release mechanism from
within.
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3. The Tsunami Wave
The word tsunami comes from the compound Japanese word tsu – name. The direct translation
of these two words would be harbor - wave.
Tsunamis are ocean waves caused by a large disturbance at the sea surface, which is triggered
by a geological process such as an earthquake, landslide, explosive volcano, meteorological event, or
asteroid impact. Once the surface is displaced, gravity restores the sea level by forming waves about the
size of the disturbance Figure 5. A series of these waves then travel across the ocean with almost no
energy loss until they encounter the shoreline where the energy is used to inundate the coastline.
Tsunamis can repeatedly inundate coastal regions for hours while destroying lives and property several
kilometers inland.
Figure 5: Development of the Tsunami Wave
The shape of a coastline can significantly affect the destructive power of the tsunami. For
example a coastline which runs parallel with the approaching tsunami wave will be less affected than a
coastline which is highly irregular and may consist of concave bays or varying magnitude. In this case the
tsunami wave will reflect back and fore within the bay itself causing additional inundations.
So the effect of the tsunami on local communities will be dependent on the four basic factors:-
1. the magnitude of the earthquake or triggering event
2. the location of the triggering event
3. the configuration of the continental shelf and shoreline
4. the upland topography
The main dangers from tsunamis are:-
1. Rapid and Repeated Flooding
2. Strong Water Currents Carrying Debris
3. Fires and Toxic Material
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4. Developing Realistic Loads
The first major hurdle to developing a personal safety system which has the arduous task of
protecting the occupants from the highly hostile environment of a tsunami event in full swing is to
derive an enveloping set of load cases which will size the structural specifications and dimensions.
What types of load cases can one expect in such an event and how does one evaluate and
characterize these load cases? Well first of all we enlisted the help of an expert, Dr. Eddie Bernard {refer
to acknowledgments for introduction}.
Characterizing load cases requires identifying debris types and objects of impact either from
videos, research papers, photographs, personal experiences etc. Once the debris field components have
been identified it is possible to then create a set of load case categories as shown below. Initial
classification developed the following set of load case categories:-
1. Small Object Impact
2. Large Object Impact
3. Sharp Object Penetration
4. Damming Loads
5. Thermal Exposure
From these load case categories it is then possible to derive load cases and associate actual
objects to the root cause of these load cases. Based on investigations and consultations the following
set of test load cases were converged upon:-
Load Case ID Load Case Descriptions
SCL001 Telephone Pole Impact
SCL002 Wall Impact
SCL003 Rebar Penetration
SCL005 Debris Damming
SCL007 Burn Test
Table 1: Test Load Cases – Simulated Conditions
The next challenge is to quantify these load cases and answer questions such as:-
1. Tsunami wave velocity
2. Velocity transfer loss
3. Debris Object Mass
4. Sharp Object Projected Area
5. Thermal Temperatures
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Some of these questions can be answered by consulting reference material [1]. Some questions
can be addressed by making educated conservative guesses. For example in the case of sharp object
penetration it was determined that impact with a stout piece of rebar could potentially cause
penetration. Hence it was determined that ½ inch diameter rebar was commonly used in Japan for
larger timber construction. Nails and bolts also pose a potential threat but rebar is usually secured in
exposed concrete with negligible reaction flexibility.
The Impact force was determined using the maximum draft speed of the floating capsule and the
combined spring equivalent constant for the capsule and impact object.
√
Where:-
Fi = impact force
Cm = recommended mass coefficient
umax = maximum flow velocity
k = effective stiffness of debris
m = mass of debris
For a shipping container or other similar large debris with draft d, the ratio of the draft d to the
maximum run up height R can be computed, and Figure 6 can be used to estimate the maximum flow
velocity. Draft d can be estimated using the following equation:
Where:-
W = debris weight
ρs = combined fluid sediment density
Af = cross sectional area parallel to water surface
g = acceleration due to gravity
The hydrodynamic forces must be based on the parameter (hu2)max, which is the maximum momentum
flux per unit mass occurring at the site at any time during the tsunami. The maximum value of (h u2) can
be obtained by running a detailed numerical simulation model or acquiring existing simulation data. The
numerical model in the run up zone must be run with a very fine grid size to ensure adequate accuracy in
the prediction of (hu2)max.
However the value (hu2)max can be roughly estimated using:-
[
[
]
]
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Figure 6: Max Flow Velocity of Depth (d) at the Ground Elevation.
√
Where:-
v = maximum flow velocity of depth (d)
umax = maximum flow velocity
g = acceleration due to gravity
R = maximum run up elevation
The damming effect caused by accumulation of waterborne debris can be treated as a hydrodynamic force
enhanced by the breadth of the debris dam against the front face of the capsule.
⁄
Where:-
ρs = combined fluid sediment density
Cd = drag coefficient
Bd = breadth of debris dam
(hu2)max = momentum flux
In order to be able to apply these applied forces to the test article in a test set up the forces were
converted into velocities that would generate such loads under an impact condition. Hence knowing the
mass and the velocity a height could be determined from which the test article could be dropped in
order to generate such applied forces.
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Table 2 defines the applied load cases determined from above equations. The large debris damming
load was based on a max loaded shipping container moving in a fast flowing stream flow at maximum
transferable velocity. Certain conservative assumptions were made in order to converge on this set of
applied test load cases and these conservative assumptions were reviewed and approved by Dr. Eddie
Bernard, our resident tsunami expert.
Table 2: Survival Capsule Test Load Cases
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5. Evaluation of the Tsunami Survival Capsule Structural Integrity by
Analysis
The capsule was evaluated analytically using a combination of MSC NASTRAN and DYTRAN. The
pre and post processor selected was PATRAN. The model construction was very basic a combination of
plate elements and bar elements. The plates were used to represent the outer shell and bar elements to
represent the tubular framing. Because of the nature of the capsule shape (spherical), TRIA3 elements
were selected. See Figure 7.
The mass of the occupants were represented by CMASS elements located at their respective
centers of gravity and positioned using RBE3 elements. The mass of the structure and components was
represented by utilizing the density parameter in the property cards.
Figure 7: NASTRAN Finite Element Model Construction
The capsule model was run using the applied load cases defined within chapter 4 of which some of the
results shall be discussed within this section.
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SCL002 – Wall Impact
This load case was designed to simulate the fully laden capsule moving within a flow stream running at
approximately 25 mph. The flow loss associated with the capsule shape commuted a velocity of 17.3
mph (7.73 m/s). The very conservative assumption of the sphere hitting a concrete wall at the
prescribed velocity was simulated in the test laboratory by dropping the capsule from a height of 10
feet. The analysis method involved using DYTRAN
Figure 8: SCL002 – Drop Test from 10 feet to Simulate Wall Impact at 17.3 mph
The Capsule Material selected is Alum Sht. 5052-T0, QQ-A-250/8 [2]
The maximum plastic yield deflection associated with the capsule was calculated to be:-
δx= 25.42 mm
Refer to Figure 8 for a depiction of the deflected model shape. Figures 9, 10 and 11 also help to depict
deflections under loading.
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Figure 9: Plastic Deformation – Drop Test from 10 feet – Inner Surface
Figure 10: Plastic Deformation – Drop Test from 10 feet – Outer Surface
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6. Evaluation of the Tsunami Survival Capsule Structural Integrity by
Test
The Testing was conducted at an Aerospace Test facility in Puget Sound. The testing conducted
involved a tank dunk test after each load case was completed so as to verify that each test did not
cause leakage due to non-visible failure or compromise door seal failure.
The complete set of test load cases run during the test is defined in the following table.
Table 3: Survival Capsule Test Load Cases
Figure 12: Capsule Showing Passenger Mass Representation (Total Mass of 108.9 Kg(240lbs))
The capsule is designed for the 90th percentile older Japanese population. Hence the capsule
dimensions reflect these statistics. The mass selected is 120lbs (55 Kg) per person. This mass was
represented by the sand bags shown in Figure 12. These bags are shown strapped into the chairs.
The capsule is being prepared for a drop test on its side representing a side impact.
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Figure 13 shows the capsule having been dropped from a height of 10 ft (3.04m) representing an
impact with a hard surface at 17.3 mph.
Figure 13: SCL002 - 10 Foot Drop Test representing High Velocity Wall Impact at 17.3 mph
Figure 14: SCL003 Rebar Sharp Object Penetration Test
Figure 14 shows the capsule prior to the short drop test onto rebar. The rebar was represented by a five
inch steel shaft screwed into the concrete floor.
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SCL005 – Debris Damming Test
The debris damming load case was designed to apply 40,000 lbf (177928 N) to the capsule at the
equator. The test achieved a max applied load of 38,000 lbf (169032 N). Figure 15 depicts the Damming
test set up.
Figure 15: SCL005 - Debris Damming Test Pictures Showing String Pots and Compression Test Rig
This applied load could have been increased to 40,000 lbf if a larger contact surface was
selected. Unfortunately a contact plate of 10”x10” was selected which was far too conservative since
compression would most likely take place between two large surfaces.
Had a larger contact plate been used then the applied load would have picked up on two
additional frames and the applied load capability would have exceeded 40,000lbf.
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Figure 16 shows the increase in load application during the debris damming test load case. It is worth
noting that under a compressive load condition the survival capsule will rely in it’s shape factor in order
to resist compressive conditions. The capsule is perfectly spherical with a completely smooth exterior.
The loading conditions would have to be exact in order to catch this shape and compress. The test load
cases were all assumed to act along the center line of the capsule thus representing worst case loading
conditions.
Figure 16: Debris Damming Test Load Application Curves
Table 4 defines a full list of test results including submergence testing.
Table 4: Test Laboratory Results for Applied Load Cases
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SCL007 - Thermal Test
The thermal testing was conducted using an ring of roofing natural gas burner guns. This method of
thermal testing was chosen since it provided a constant heat source and did not violate the burn ban
which is currently operating in the vicinity of the test facility. The burners were mounted tangentially
around the lower portion of the capsule while the capsule was floating in a pool of water. The burners
were run for a total of 25 minutes at a temperature of 1100°F ±100°F. Refer to Figure 18.
Figure 17: Location of Thermocouples within Capsule During Burn Test
Figure 18: Capsule Burn Test Utilizing Seven Gas Roof Burners mounted tangentially around Capsule
The thermal condition shall be analyzed using NASTRAN once a thermal insulation material has
been selected. Figure 17 defines the locations of were the internal temperature measurements were
taken. Figure 18 depicts gas burner arrangement (8 in total).
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The objective is to design a capsule that will allow the occupants to survive for a period of time
whilst exposed to a thermal condition i.e. debris field fire. From Figure 19 it can be seen that it takes
approximately 15 minutes for the center temperature to reach 50°C (122°F). With the application of
suitable thermal insulation it is possible for the capsule to operate in the equilibrium state.
Figure 19: Thermal Test Applied External Temperature of 1100°F ±100°f
Figure 20: Capsule Leak Evaluation Dunk Test
After each significant test the capsule was immersed in the dunk tank in order to confirm the capsule
had maintained its structural integrity and had not failed such as to allow water to seep in.
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7. Correlation between Analysis and Test
Wall Impact Correlation
A collision between a rigid wall and the survival capsule was simulated using DYTRAN. The capsule was
set at an initial velocity of 17.3 mph at full occupancy weight. The simulated deformation is shown in the
Figure 21, by the 21.5 x 17.78 cm flattened region.
Figure 21: Simulated Permanent Deformation
To test the survival capsule, it was dropped from 10 feet so that it would impact the concrete floor at
17.3 mph. The drop produced a permanently deformed flat spot 19.5 x 22.5 cm, shown in Figure 22.
Figure 22: Simulated Permanent Deformation
The area of the permanently deformed spot was 14.2% greater on the test article when compared to
simulation model. This discrepancy is within an acceptable tolerance, but a closer correlation might have
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been achieved by modeling the door in the DYTRAN model. With no door in place the door cutout is free
to compress offering a relief to the permanent deformation of the capsule.
Penetration Correlation
To simulate the capsule impacting a short rigid bar, a heavy rigid bar was projected at a fixed flat plate.
The bar was modeled to have the same mass as the capsule so that the momentum transfer would be
equivalent to a moving capsule hitting a fixed bar. According to the simulation performed in DYTRAN the
capsule would be left with an impact dent 22.4 mm deep after hitting a rigid bar at 5MPH. Deformation
is shown in Figure 23.
Figure 23: Simulated Permanent Deformation, 22.4 mm
In addition, the simulation showed that the capsule would be penetrated if it hit a rigid bar at a velocity
greater than 15mph. Testing results show these simulations to be conservative. The Figure 24 shows
the results of a drop test from 16.29 cm which resulted in a permanent deformation of 7.38mm.
Figure 24: Actual Permanent Deformation, 7.38 mm
The variances between testing and simulation are due to a number of factors. First, accurately dropping
the capsule on the desired impact zone was a challenge. So all the impact test occurred closer to a rigid
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frame which reduced the panels deflection. Also, the capsule shell is curved, allowing for the rigid bar to
glance off where the simulated model absorbs all of the moving bars energy. In addition the simulated
plate use the O material condition, after the hemispheres are spun they are strain hardened, which
reduces the materials ductility. Despite the poor correlation between simulation and testing, it is
confirmed that the simulation penetration method is conservative and can be used for future design
iterations.
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8. Conclusion
The test program conducted for the 2 person tsunami Survival Capsule has confirmed the
conclusion drawn from the analysis. That is, it is possible to design and build a personal safety system
which will provide coastal communities with an alternative form of evacuation.
The analysis and testing associated with the 2 person pod is preliminary. There is much more
detailed work to be done not just on the 2 person capsule but also the planned larger versions as shown
in Figure 23.
What is clear is that the personal safety system could very well one day play a large part in
saving many lives, hopefully in all regions associated with the tsunami wave.
Figure 25: Tsunami Capsule Models – Selection of Sizes and Occupancy Capacity
The amount of enthusiasm shown in Japan for this family of products has encouraged Survival Capsule
LLC to produce a product which relies on analysis techniques and testing procedures which as Aerospace
engineers, we tend to take for granted. Tools such as the MSC suite of software, e.g. NASTRAN, PATRAN,
and DYTRAN etc.
CAPSULE
FAMILY
10
4.5 / 1.37
6.0 / 1.83
7.0 / 2.13
8.0 / 2.44
8.0 / 2.44
TARGET
MARKET
2
4
6
8
CAPACITY
(Number of
People)
DIAMETER
(feet/meter)MATERIAL
NUMBER OF
DOORSSeating
STANDARD
EQUIPMENT
Aircraft
Grade
Aluminum
Shell: 5052
Frame: 6061
Aircraft
Grade
Aluminum
Shell: 5052
Frame: 6061
Aircraft
Grade
Aluminum
Shell: 5052
Frame: 6061
Aircraft
Grade
Aluminum
Shell: 5052
Frame: 6061
AIR SUPPLY
GPS
STORAGE
SAFETY SEATS
WATER TANK
Aircraft
Grade
Aluminum
Shell: 5052
Frame: 6061
1
1
2
2
2
DOMESTIC
AIR SUPPLY
GPS
STORAGE
SAFETY SEATS
WATER TANK
DOMESTIC
AIR SUPPLY
GPS
STORAGE
SAFETY SEATS
WATER TANK
DOMESTIC /
COMMERCIAL
TESTING
Grade I
Grade I
Grade II
Grade ii
Yard
Parking Lot
Roof
AIR SUPPLY
GPS
STORAGE
SAFETY SEATS
WATER TANK
COMMERCIAL
AIR SUPPLY
GPS
STORAGE
SAFETY SEATS
WATER TANK
COMMERCIAL Grade II
INSTALLATION
Garden
Balcony
Roof
In Home
Garden
Balcony
Roof
Yard
Parking Lot
Roof
Yard
Parking Lot
Roof
SC10001
MODEL
NUMBER
SC2001
SC4001
SC6001
SC8001
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As a final point of interest it is worth noting that there are many regions throughout the world
which are exposed to the tsunami wave. Figure 24 helps to pictorially represent the affected coastlines
and regions. So if you are planning a tropical vacation with your family, consider the following:-
1. Make the effort to research the level of risk for the region you intend visiting
2. Evaluate tsunami evacuation routes upon your arrival
3. Make sure each family member is aware of the warning signals (earthquake, rapid withdrawal of
water from beach etc.)
4. Understand the local community emergency signals (i.e. sirens, bells, flares etc.)
Figure 26: Historical Tsunami Sources: 2000
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9. Acknowledgements
The capsule program would like to acknowledge the following people who have supported and
continues to support this hugely philanthropic project.
[1] Dr. Eddie Bernard is a subject matter expert and consultant on issues dealing with tsunami
warning systems, tsunami mitigation and education programs, and tsunami research. Dr.
Bernard is currently an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington and Scientist Emeritus
for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) / Pacific Marine
Environmental Laboratory (PMEL). He retired from Director of PMEL in 2010, after 40 years of
NOAA service. He directed a broad range of oceanographic research programs at PMEL including
ocean climate dynamics, fisheries oceanography, El Niño forecasts, tsunamis, and underwater
volcanoes. As a noted oceanographer and expert on tsunamis, Dr. Bernard published over 85
scientific papers and has served as editor for three tsunami books. He served as Director of
NOAA’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu for 3 years, which influenced his research
toward public safety. In October 2010 and for the third time, he was awarded the Presidential
Meritorious Rank Award by President Barack Obama in recognition of Dr. Bernard’s
transformation of three long-term PMEL research programs in tsunami warning and education,
ocean acidification, and ocean exploration into Congressional authorization laws. Dr. Bernard
received a Ph.D. and M.S. in physical oceanography at Texas A & M, and a B.S. in physics from
Lamar University.
[2] Mr. Iwao Iwama and Dr. Yasunori Otsuka of Toho Mercantile, Tokyo, Japan who have shown
extreme belief in our product and continue to support Survival Capsule LLC in developing this
product and others for the Japanese market and markets across the globe.
[3] Scott Hill (V.P. of IDEA International and Survival Capsule LLC), Aaron Acklen (Director of
Business Development at IDEA International), Anthony Figlioli (Design Lead at IDEA
International) who have all played a very large part in the success of the capsule program
to date.
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10. References
[1] Michael Mahoney (FEMA Project Officer), Robert d. Hanson (FEMA Technical Monitor),
“Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical Evacuation from Tsunamis”. Prepared by the
Applied Technology Council for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[2] Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization (MMPDS-06)
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