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Questions tagged [submarines]

14 questions
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6 answers

What did all those valves do in a U-Boat?

I was visiting the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago (highly recommended) and I took the tour of the complete U-Boat (U-505) that they have housed there. It's extremely well-preserved inside and quite fascinating. However, the guide was not…
Tim Smith
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Why did the Soviet Alfa-class submarines have a titanium hull?

My limited knowledge in engineering tells me: Titanium is expensive, stronger and heavier than aluminium, lighter and weaker than high yield steel. The most significant advantage of titanium is the good strength to weight ratio. In case of…
Martin
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3
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3 answers

X-form and cross-form rudders in underwater control

What are the advantages of using X-form rudders in comparison to cross-form rudders? Why do some submarines, torpedos and underwater autonomous vehicles use X-stern control? X-stern: Cross-form:
mwweb
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3
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1 answer

Do submarines really have cranks for closing leaks?

It's common in submarine movies that when suffering some kind of shock (like a near miss by a torpedo or falling deep into a trench), water will start bursting into the cabin and the crew will run around turning little wheels or cranks to stop the…
Rag
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2
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1 answer

Calculate thickness of a 1 square meter window made of acrylic in a submarine to endure 100meters

This question would have two parts: 1 - How to calculate thickness of a 1 square meter window made of acrylic in a submarine to endure 100meters of deepness in salt water? I don't remember the procedure to calculate this, even If I have done it in…
pfernandez
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2 answers

How do center of gravity varies in submarine between surface and submerged?

I'm interesting in static* roll stability of submarines. I'm always tempted to compare submerged submarine to blimps and other bigger airships. For airships, roll stability is assured by a pendulum effect, the heavier components being located low…
Manu H
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Is there a submarine that uses fewer than 4 rudders?

This question is restricted to post-WWII submarines designed to have a greater speed while submerged and to cruise underwater (unlike WWII U-boats). As highlighted in this question, there is no need to have 2 rudders (one on the upper side, the…
Manu H
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Do you even need GPS with the new INS systems?

I am not sure where to ask this question but here it is. There is the company that is making Inertial Navigation Systems for submarines and it claims to have a position accuracy with no aiding of 1Nm/12h so 1 Nautical meter every 12 hours. That…
stefan
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Calculate the max speed at which a submarine rises/dives + acceleration

I'm trying to figure out how I would calculate the rate at which a submarine (or any object) ascends or descends in seawater given a certain buoyancy or change in buoyancy. For example, if my submarine is 2000 feet below sea level and weighs 393…
Massimo Asteriti
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Calculate volume of compressed air tank given several variables

For context, I've started drafting an idea for a submarine simulator game, and I want to make as realistic as possible; but this obviously requires doing a lot of math that I'm unfamiliar with. I've decided this submarine will have 2 ballast tanks,…
Massimo Asteriti
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Glide Ratio of an unpowered "sub"

Flying gliders can have glide ratios (ratio of horizontal distance vs vertical distance) around 50 or 60. How would that change when the fluid density changes, in particular under water. Could a craft designed for under water gliding achieve a…
Michael
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What are the factors determining position of forward dive planes on a submarine?

This question is restricted to nuclear submarines. The forward horizontal dive planes of nuclear submarines may be located either on the hull in front of the sail (as for seen in this cutaway of an Astute class submarine or on this pitcure) or on…
Manu H
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Why does the Titan not descend attached to a surface-attached "leash"?

Wouldnt such a design prevent loss of contact?
TylerDurden
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What is the optimal building material for a submarine pressure hull?

I have a difficult and interesting design project to work on and I am trying to get my hands on some ballpark figures from people who know engineering a little better. Help is appreciated! I am trying design a lightweight pressure hull for a hybrid…
ben7
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