Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Flat plexi viewport questions.

[Coalbunny <coalbunny@onewest.net>]

Actually, you can make a test model and find out.  Of course it will
restrict who can do this, because of the resources it may require, but I
have considered this myself.

Decide on the size of viewport it is you want, and make it from the flat
plexiglass.  Construct a miniature test vessle and install the
viewport.  Make the test vessle with a "given" size of the viewport
containment and the viewport retainer with the option of adding or
removing shielding so you can test various sizes and thicknesses of
viewports.  Install an electronic pressure gauge and water sensor.  This
will have but maybe 12" of "empty" space between the sensors and the
viewport.  Then locate a vessel (rent, lease, borrow from a friend,
whatever) large enough for the test unit.  I feel that a 16' fishing
boat would be good enough for something with a 200' limit.  Make sure
the sensors can either record the data or feeds it directly via cable to
your recorder/observer.  You also have to decide what size of cable to
use, depending on the weight of the unit and the intended depth.  Keep
in mind that you must also account for the weight of the cable as well. 
Then with all this done, go out and test it.  

Of course I'm quite sure there are other "better" ways of doing this,
but this is something I have been considering for sometime.
Carl


DCI Games wrote:
> 
> I was unable to locate any information about this
> subject in the archive, but if i overlooked it, please
> forgive me.
> 
> On the bigger sub im theorizing about, im thinking
> that a domed frontal viewport would be a bit out of
> the question due to the shear size. I'd like to make
> the window smaller, and semi rectangular, not unline
> an automotive winshield. <no where near as long
> though, but perhaps just as wide.> say a window that
> was 5' wide and 18" tall, how think would plexiglass
> <or another material> need to be to hold the pressure
> of say, 600 feet? assuming that it would be reinforced
> with a steel backing of some kind every 12" or so.
> 
> (dont worry, im not dumb enough to actually do it) im
> just wondering at the strengths of plexiglass
> materials. the shape of the front viewports <or port>
> is rather important in the layout of the cockpit.
> Thanks in advance.
> 
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