Potential Hull Structures for Rescue and Search Vehicles of the Deep-Submergence Systems Project

摘要

Tradeoff studies between pressure hull material, configuration, and buoyancy are performed for both the Rescue and the Search Vehicles of the Deep-Submergence Systems Project. Spherical, cylindrical, and spheroidal shells of high strength steels, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, glass-reinforced plastics, glass, and ceramics are considered. Failure criteria are developed based on recent research findings. Potential pressure hulls for both vehicles are discussed and the need to develop lightweight floatation systems for the Search Vehicle is emphasized. (Author)