Hello my name is Thomas Brown from NYC.
I
have the desire to make a small 1 man submarine out of wood with a depth of max
10feet. Basically just to see if I can make it and to test my skills. My
interest in submarines comes from a desire to join the Navy and serve in a
submarine and also to pursue a degree in Naval Archeitechure. I figured out
mostly everything from rudder control,ballast control(I was going to use a
water bladder in a compartment,I would use 2 pumps; 1 to pump in and sink, the
other to pump out and rise.)the total weight of the sub will probably be no
more that 100-150lbs and I weigh 200lbs so a total of 300-350lbs when im in it.
I went over costs and this shouldn’t cost more than $350 USD. 2x4 wood
frame, with plywood hull. I will caulk inside and out to waterproof, and on the
outside I was going to epoxy for further strength. I planned to have ¼”
thick plexi glass windows. My Main problem is how to figure out the
displacement of it, so I know whether or not I will be able to dive and
surface. Please take into consideration that this is a plywood(no curves, flat
edges) submarine being made by a 17 year old(with an excellent understanding of
science and submarines.) I want my normal depth when im under the water to be
5-7 feet. Please tell me how to figure displacement, if this will work, and how
many hp electric engine should I expect to need to propel an 350lbs submarine
2knts with a depth of 7 feet.
Thank you
for your time.