RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] University Competition

["Paul Suds" <paul_suds@hotmail.com>]

Yes, it sounds like you guys are under the gun to get this completed by 
June. A couple of comments. Foam core "1/2" should not provide that much 
bouancy,If you use the right foam. Polyurethane foam can be sanded by 
another piece of foam. Not only that, but it can be cut with a "hot knife". 
Hmmm..., Sounds like a poor design.  1/4 inch acrylic should be fine 
depending on where you cut the finished bubble and how far you draw it out. 
It thins out most at the most acute bend, but there are reversing procedures 
you can use to eliminate this. You can also cut the unit further out where 
it hasn't thinned so much. Also localized heating/cooling (cooling may be 
impractical for you) can change the dynamics in the location where you apply 
it. Try experimenting with a smaller sample before you do the final one.
Stainless steel/aluminum: For your purposes, a good high dialetric lubricant 
will minimize electrolytic corrosion.  Teflon tape doesn't work that well 
because it tears at the threads. Besides with stainless, teflon contains 
lots of chlorides and you end up with chloride stress corrosion. Actually, 
though, either type of corrosion will be minimal for the amount of time you 
will have it in the water. Just make sure you rinse it well when you take it 
out of salt water. If it was a military sub, I would say "no"! Oh, by the 
way, if you can get the aluminum for free, send me some. You can send it to 
an island of the coast of honduras. I am building a military base down there 
and need lots of aluminum, ha...Suds
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