Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Composite pressure hull?

[Ian Roxborough <irox@ix.netcom.com>]

On Sat, 11 Oct 2003 13:24:10 -0700 (PDT)
Bob Duncan <katsurencho@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I'm afraid i probably won't be ready to start the design of my own submarine for another year. 
> Alvin the deep sea research submarine designed by Al Vine of Woods Hole Institute uses a titanium pressure hull.
> I have an intrest in designing a similar pressure hull, but using a relatively thin sheet or layer, of pure aluminum (1100 alloy), and wraping it with layers of roven woven (fiberglass cloth), and using epoxy resin. Which has been used in the marine industry for years. 
> High pressure gas containers (both sphere and cylinders), have been around for years. They hold an internal pressure of 10,000 psi (working pressure). I would think this would be very feasible for an even higher external pressure. 
> The areas of concern are the places where electric or hydraulic connections go thru the pressure hull.

(I think somebody might have already replied with the same info.)

A pressure vessel which can hold 10,000 psi internal pressure, will
only be able to resist faction of that as an external pressure force.
The modes of failure and the physics acting of the vessel will
be very different for a vessel holding an external force verse a
vessel holding an internal force.

Ian.