Elastic joint in underwater structure - has spherical soft layer between rigid concentric shells compressed only when rotated

摘要

The elastic joint for underwater use allows personnel to pass through it. It consists of two rigid joint shells with a layer of soft elastic materal such as ruber, neoprene etc. between them. The two rigid shells are concentric, each with a convex and a concave spherical surface, the soft layer between them forming a spherical layer. When rotation in any direction is caused from outside this layer is subjected only to compression loads. While normal stresses can occur, they are not necessary to allow rotation.