DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY FOR 

 UNDERSEA MISSIONS 



STRUCTURES FOR DEEP SUBMERSIBLES 



The primary function of the deep-ocean pressure hull is to provide a 

 one-atmosphere living space for the crew and equipment. The second func- 

 tion of the pressure hull structure is to provide buoyancy for the vehicle. 



Hull configurations which are feasible for the 600 to 9000 ft depths in- 

 clude the spherical shell, stiffened cylinder, and prolate spheroid. Buoy- 

 ancies of these configurations are essentially the same at these depths for 

 any given material; the choice of a structural shape is based on overall ar- 

 rangement considerations, rather than minimum weight. At great depths, 

 the sphere has the most efficient weight to displacement ratio. 





^N>S* 



ARCTIC 



ATLANTIC 



PACIFIC 



TONGUE OF 



THE OCEAN 



ARCTIC 





35,000 



20 30 40 50 60 70 

 PERCENT OF OCEAN LESS THAN INDICATED DEPTH 



Depth capability as a function of hydrospace vehicle materials. The solid bar 

 indicates a hull weight-to-displacement ratio of 0.5. The cross-hatched bar indicates 

 a ratio of 0.7. 



36 



