Hydrostatic Pressure Tests of Glassreinforced Plastic Cylinders with a Titanium Jacket

摘要

Two cylindrical models were tested under hydrostatic pressure to determine the structural behavior of hulls composed of ring-stiffened, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) cylinders surrounded by a thin titanium jacket and designed for a collapse depth of 30,000 ft. From these tests it was determined that composite fiberglass construction is feasible for deep-depth application from a static strength aspect. Furthermore, these tests indicate that composite fiberglass hulls offer higher static strength-weight characteristics than any metallic hulls currently under investigation. However, there is still a need for investigation of hull penetrations and end closures and the effect of cyclic and long-term loading on the collapse strength of such structures. (Author)