Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Flying Sub "SOLO" Stability

In a message dated 2/18/04 10:24:59 AM Pacific Standard Time, Asmyth@changepoint.com writes:

Shaughn, do you have any more info on how you are dropping those 4 weights? I think I’m past making holes in the pressure hull at this point, but just curious whether you have a dropping mechanism in mind that does not imply through-hulls. I’m using a 1.5” shaft through the hull, with a cam shaped channel machined into it. But as someone pointed out, it’ll only drop the weight if the sub is upright.

My design is manta-shaped. The spherical/elliptical/torroidal lead weights are nested in the "wings" in rounded-edged recesses open to top or bottom. The weights will be held in place by one or more hemispherical studs into the weight's corresponding detents on one side and a hydraulically actuated retracting hemispherical stud on the other. Single hydraulic through hull actuates all four in parallel; although I'm also considering a cascade system wherein the fronts drop, then the rear. Because I have such relatively large control surfaces, within reason, I can place the weights where they'll balance the craft most effectively.

Mind you, my configuration is also different in that all but two of my batteries are located in a jettisonable remorah-ish belly-mounted and/or wing-mounted (for long dives) pod(s), so I already have a fair amount of weight that I have to compensate for to get everything to balance. The wings also present pretty effective resistance to roll, especially under power. I can settle with being a little bottom-heavy because I know I won't spend *that* much time upside down or sideways ... "close" is enough.

Shawn