I'm planning on another K-sub, but thinking about a box keel
like the Nektons and Delta had, rather than pods. Has anyone got an idea about
how to figure structure on something like that? The Nekton's box was 9/16"
wall, flat side and bottom, and reinforced with flat plates running
athwartships on 18" centers (more or less). The hulls were the same thickness
and the same material (A516 Grade 70).
I'm wondering if there would be any penalty to building a 1/2" thick box
with 1/4" dividers matched to the ring stiffeners in the hull (ie., 12"
centers). The box would be a foot square in cross section, and if all seems
well, would be welded through a slot in the hull and covered inside with a
reinforced aluminum deck plate gasketed and vented for charging. If the
pressure hull is six feet long in the cylinder, that would give me room for a
grunch of 85 amp deep cycle batteries (more than called for) and still not
kill my payload.
Anyone not familiar with K-subs might think all this sounds pretty heavy.
Have a look at the lead load in Dan's boat, if you think we don't have it to
spare.
Vance