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Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] VBT positioning
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carsten Standfuß" <MerlinSub@t-online.de>
To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2001 5:57 AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] VBT positioning
> There are much more combinations. For the reason that with
> just one hard regulator you can not change the trim angle
That's true, Harry; and here's another combination.
My NAUTILUS MINISUB has four external ballast tanks: they comprise most of
the exterior pressure hull you see in the picture, and are situated around
and on either side of the pressure hull: port and starboard, two forward and
two aft of the Hydrostatic C/G.
The reason for this came from my R&D with ballast systems: I discovered
designs where, if the boat got pitched too far up or down, the system would
cease to work. I wanted to avoid that, so I built my system so it would
work at any angle; even vertical (on end) or inverted (upside down). The
neat thing about it is that I ended up with a boat that is "hydrobatic", and
can be operated intentionally at extremely unusual attitudes, and recover
reliably every time.
I've heard some decry the fact that there's a lot of valves involved in my
system, but it's really not a problem because I usually only have to operate
one, or occasionally two, at any given time to get the boat to do what I
want it to. And that only takes a second or two. It's really no problem at
all.
So, what started out as a safety precaution turned out to provide additional
functionality. It adds a lot to the everyday operations of the sub; and
it's comforting to know it's there as a backup if I get into a situation
where I might need it.
Ballast systems are, in my opinion, one of the most important and frequently
misunderstood systems of a submarine. There's a lot to the way they work
that might not meet the eye. I think it's something that everyone should
really study and understand if he's going to build a submarine.
Anyway, E-mail me a pic or drawing of your design. I've got four boats in
the shop at various stages of renovation or construction right now, so I
promise I won't even have time to steal your ideas. I'd just like to take a
look at it.
Pat