Optimum buoyancy requirements for weight-limited deep submersibles

Abstract

Submersibles are limited in depth by the strength of the pressure hull. The pressure hull, in turn, is limited in strength by the properties of the material used in fabrication, construction techniques, and by the weight of material used in construction. Once the ballast weight has been taken up in hull weight, a limit is reached in depth. To go deeper "with the same^payload, the hull must be enlarged or size may be held constant, the hull strengthened and flotation material attached to support the extra weight. Either of these methods, enlarging the hull or adding flotation, increases size greatly as depth is increased. This thesis is a study of total vehicle size versus depth for weight -limited deep submersibles with and without buoyancy material attached.http://archive.org/details/optimumbuoyancyr1094512777Lieutenant, United States Nav