Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] concept query

["Marsee Skidmore" <heyred@email.msn.com>]

Some Soviet subs were double hulled, so why not? I like the inert gas idea.
As for thermal insulation, the spacing between hulls needs to be 2 cm or
less. Greater than that, and natural convection defeats the purpose. That's
why the space between thermo-pane glass is what it is. But you could fill
the space with foam. - Joe

----- Original Message -----
From: Dan J. Rice <dan.j.rice@sherwin.com>
To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2000 11:26 AM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] concept query


>
>
> - a hull within a hull within a hull, etc., each one being pressure tight
and
> each interhull space being pressure controlled thus acheiving a step down
series
> of pressure differences.  As the sub descends hull interspaces are
pressurized
> so that the difference between the inside and outside of each hull is a
fraction
> of the total pressure difference from the sub interior to the sub
exterior.
> Hatches and ports would of course have to withstand the total pressure and
> bridge all the other spaces. The interhull spaces should be as small as
possible
> to minimize the amount of equipment needed to control the various
pressures.
>
> Possible advantages:
>
> - Less structural bracing - more room inside.
>
> - Using a non corrosive gas to pressurize the spaces, no oxygen, no rust.
>
> - insulation by dead air space, stay nice and warm.
>
> - greater depth possibilities.
>
> Disadvantages;
>
> - greater cost,
>
> - not as practical for smaller subs, weight vs displacement.
>
> - more difficult construction and maintenance.
>
> your thoughts?
> Dan
>
>
>