Hammerhead draft #2
Changes:
Thrusters: I reversed the thrusters so the fore thrusters are low
and the aft thrusters are high. This increases the distance I am able to
separate them which will improve maneuverability.
Buoyancy Tank: A foam/fiberglass section that will wrap around the
pressure hull and extend aft to the end of the exterior frame. It will have a
flat, textured top for walking on. The sides and end will curve down to create
a depression in the underside that would have an air-bladder fitted to it
(about identical to the BC worn by divers).
Trim Tank: A vented fiberglass shell with another air-bladder
fitted inside it for pitch trim.
Air Tanks: Arranged fore-and-aft in two rows of three tanks. If I
go with a single rear thruster, the tanks will be V'ed out at the top to allow
for cleaner water-flow between them for the thruster. If I go with dual rear
thrusters, the tanks will be stood upright side-by-side.
Argon Tank: to pressurize battery-box
Exo-Cage: very basic partial drawing of exterior cage to give
approximate shape of sub.
Thoughts: I'm not sure I can get the sub's hatch far enough out of the
water to allow wet entry/exit in anything but the best circumstances...yet.
I'm also not sure how to power and steer 3-4 independent thrusters. I know how
I want to do the human interface (SpaceOrb 360 is a PERFECT controller for
this with some modifications). However I'm torn between electrical or
hydraulic motors and servos, or some combination thereof.
Regarding the single-curve view port: 6' tall by 4' wide,
curved onto a 3' diameter cylinder along the vertical axis. One horizontal
support in the center, and two equi-distant vertical supports. Window edges
and supports would be 2-3" widths of contact. This would divide the
unsupported window sections into areas of less than 3' long by 1.3'
wide.
Designed depth of the sub should be ~500' with a "rated" depth of
250'
Actually- I want to design it for 250psi. 250psi/14.7psi (one
atmosphere)= ~17atm. 17atm x 33'(depth per atmosphere) = ~561'
I've sent an e-mail to a company that can supply 1/2" polycarbonate
sheets in 8'x4' sections (or any smaller rectangular section) regarding its
strength and ability to be bent.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
In a message dated 4/5/2005 10:59:28 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
mholt@ohiohills.com writes:
I've
been thinking about this. It sounds like a new version of
Bushnell's Turtle.
It's a great idea, mostly because with all that
freeboard getting in and
out is
a bit less exciting.
Laying
her on her side for thin water is a good thing, too. One problem
I
see often is that boat landings are simply too shallow for
submarines.
But if the boat can lay on its side, float to the pier and
then stand up
to be entered easily and safely. (Of course, you
might launch the
boat on its side with the pilot on board
....)
The single-curve window is fantastic. What sort of
bracing will you put
inside it?
Mike
