Relation Between Testing and Performance of Structures for Deep Sea Vehicles
SourceToday there is increased military, commercial, and scientific interest in the use of deeper diving vehicles to explore, exploit, and transport at deep ocean depths. Stronger and more weight-efficient materials and structures are required for the pressure hulls of these vehicles. This paper discusses the balance between design-materials-fabricability and experimental verification. The various types of scaled model tests used to provide the required experimental verification are described. Model test results are compared with analytical predictions and full-scale prototype behavior. Submarine hull concepts and materials that may be necessary in the not-too-distant future are described. New concepts of simple specimen design and testing which may be required prior to utilization in model tests are also discussed.