| Abstract: |
The Human Powered Submarine Team has been in existence at Virginia Tech
since its conception in 1993. Since then, it has served as a way for
engineering students from many different disciplines to implement
design conception and realization. The first submarine built was
Phantom 1, a two-man submarine made of fiberglass. After construction
was complete, Phantom 1 was ready for racing, but, unfortunately,
suffered fatal
problems come race time. The submarine team slowed down a bit after
experiencing racing problems, but was revived in 1995 when design
efforts for a new two-man submarine, the Phantom 2 commence. The
propulsion system consisted of a chain and gear drive system using an
ultra-light helicopter tail rotor for a propeller. Although the team
learned valuable lessons as a result of Phantom 1's problems, Phantom 2
still experiences problems at races. After various parts of Phantom 2
are redesigned, it is once again ready for racing and proves that the
redesign was well worth the time and effort. In 1997, Phantom 2 not
only finishes its first race, held in San Diego, California, but comes
in third. This success sparks yet another revival of the submarine team
and design for the team's current project, the Phantom 3, a one-man
submarine, is started. In 1998, the plug for Phantom 3 is built and the
hull is constructed. With so many past problems from which to learn,
Phantom 3 promises to be the fastest and best-designed submarine the
team has developed thus far. The current speed world-record is 7 knots.
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