Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Hull material

[Paul Kreemer <paulkreemer@gmail.com>]

Robert, just one comment regarding the weights.  It sounds like you're considering the weight of aluminum as a negative feature when compared to the weight of composites.  But really, in many sub designs some additional weight is required to get the boat neutrally buoyant.  Another way to put this is: any weight saved in building a design in composites will need to be added back in as ballast.  

A 50cf dry compartment will have a buoyancy of 3200lbs (50cf * 64lb/cf).  When ready to dive with crew and all aboard the boat will need to weigh more than 3200lbs to actually sink!  A lot of sub designs are more like strong, heavy balloons than aircraft.  That might be a little stretch of the analogy but it gives a general idea.  :-)

take care-
Paul

On 12/27/05, Robert Ossian <rob_neptune@yahoo.com> wrote:

I am in the very early process of designing a sub that
will have a maximum depth of about 200-250 feet and
have been wondering if there are any experienced
opinions about using composite materials (enhanced
fiberglass) as a hull material?  The obvious benefits
are that it could be custom moulded to my
designs/shapes and of course rust-proof.

I have thought about using Aluminum, but the inherent
weight and the fact that Aluminum would be
(relatively) more expensive, I am looking to explore
alternative materials (any suggestions are welcome).

Any thoughts?




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