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Re: Psub Design Steps
I have to agree somewhat with both Gary and Doug. As a projet manager on oil
process designs and product development for injection molding companies,
I've found that both systems advocated work very well. Having a guy like
Doug on your team ensures that details don't fall through the cracks and
that the process is well thought out. On the other hand, during conceptual
design phases, much thought and brainstorming has to go into the process.
When working on a project for myself, I'm a lot more like Gary. Cost
considerations limit a ground up approach to design. I've been working on my
new sub design now for two months. So far, I've redesigned many things in my
mind many times over. Originally I wanted a stainless steel inner hull.
After putting my feeler out to scrap dealers and large metalworking
companies for roll forming, I have decided against the idea, especially when
I realized that the overall weight of the sub would be too heavy. This was
based on some preliminary calcs that I performed. After looking at aluminum,
I decided that a composite of graphite and fiberglass would be the way to
go. Not only does it benefit my mass/volume criteria, but I can do the work
myself. I've also looked at propulsion, which I've changed many times since
I first envisioned my sub. From an engineers standpoint, I look at some
basic things when I first start a project: 1)What are the major design
constraints. 2) What level of knowledge do I need in a particular area. 3)
Where can I get the necessary information to overcome those constraints. 4)
What are the major cost associated with the project design. 5) How can i
minimize those costs. 6) Are there existing designs out there that i can
learn from and can I improve on them. 7) What other design constraints are
there that would require me to modify other parts of my design. And finally,
Can I with some degree of certainty, after doing a cursury degree of
research on each design coinsideration, integrate my design so that the
final product will work.
Another thing that I've learned over the years is that different people do
differentt things in differnt ways. Those that are more knowledgable and
experienced,or are willing to gain that knowledge and experience, and that
have the desire to succeed will be the most successful. Ooops I'm on my
lecture soapbox again. Just another perspective that works for me.
Suds
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