Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Aluminum subs

[CWall@swri.edu]

Thanks for the information, Phil.

 Could you tell me what alloy you are using?

  I'm wondering if I can use 6061 aircraft aluminum, as it has good
weldability, but I suspect it's not the best choice from a corrosion standpoint
 if seawater is involved. Also, hemispheres would be difficult to acquire, and
I don't like to think about welding two different alloys together if I had to
make the end caps out of something besides the 6061.  (Otherwise, 6061 is an
alloy that I spend a good bit of time scavenging for anyway, so it would be
convenient to include in my sweep for "found" construction materials. I'm not
wedded to using cheap materials, but since I won't be able to start for at
least a year, it seems reasonable to get a low-level search for metal going
now.)

Craig Wall
---------- Original Text ----------

From: "Phil Nuytten" <72020.572@compuserve.com>, on 11/30/00 8:39 PM:
To: Incognito2@CTC@SwRI26["INTERNET:personal_submersibles@psubs.org"
<personal_submersibles@psubs.org>]

Craig:
        Re: Aluminum Hulls - we use aluminum forgings ( machined) for the
battery pod main tubes and spun aluminum hemispheres welded to machined
aluminum closure/sealing rings for the end closures  . . .on DeepWorker
2000.  We have had excellent results with this material - no complaints at
all. We have some units in titanium and other than cost, they are also very
good. We have a pretty good design for an all aluminum hull, battery pods,
frame, etc. but I've been currently  concentrating on the GRP (fibreglass)
el cheapo model called DeepWorker 300. We have the prototype hull built and
will be attempting to make it into a halibut in the pressure chamber soon.
It's identical to the DeepWorker 2000 in size, shape, and configuration but
will be available in kit form or finished sub - ( presuming we go ahead
with production) . . .shades of Kitteridge! Making it is a no-brainer,
making it to sell at a reasonable price is another kettle of fishies,
altogether!
Phil Nuytten