Large-Scale Model Evaluation of a Welded, Web-Stiffened Titanium Sandwich Hull for Deep-Submergence Applications

摘要

A 9-ft-diameter, web-stiffened titanium sandwich cylindrical hull with hemispherical end closures was designed for deep-submergence applications. A 30-in.-diameter model was fabricated and hydrostatically tested to demonstrate fabricability and performance under simulated service loads. All fabrication was performed using procedures applicable to full-scale hulls. Prior to the construction of the complete model, a trial manufacturing section of the sandwich hull was successfully built to demonstrate fabricability. Specimens of weld and base material from this trial section were found to have excellent material properties. The fabricated model, complete with hemispherical closure head and other structural details, was fabricated to close tolerances and possessed a high degree of structural integrity during hydrostatic testing. Results of the pressure tests were shown to be highly predictable; experimental and calculated collapse pressures agreed within 4 percent. (Author)