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While what you
have to say is most likely correct there are reasons why the Navy has not
adopted this technology for subs or torpedoes. I know they keep
attempting to find a composite solution but haven’t found something
reliable enough to date (unfortunately don’t have access to the research
papers). Received the
current issue of Professional Boatbuilder
today and one of the articles discuss FRP issues, one of which is osmotic
absorption of water through the hull material so the weeping issue is not
resolved. A pipe to carry
liquids or other materials has a whole lot less safety issues as compared to a
pressure vessel that is rated for human occupation…even if it carrying hazardous
materials. A pipe can be designed to contain pressures by orientation of
fibers where as a vessel subject to external pressure is subject to buckling
where fiber orientation is not as effective. While the soda bottle is
simplistic in nature, it captures the essence of the issue. R/Jay Respectfully, Jay K. Jeffries Andros Is., It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to
entertain a thought without accepting it. From: owner- Hate to be a heart breaker but might be
onto the information im looking for. Been talking to the engineers at work and
one of which has a clue as to where i might find the design specs on a vacuum chamber they designed a few
years back and the technical info to be able to calculate hull thickness. As
far as repairing frp and weeping hulls, this sounds more like a poor
construction using old polyester resins not the epoxy vinyl ester that is
commonly used on todays pressure vessels. OK here is some insight on frp
pipe, 24" dia. 3/4" wall frp pipe is rated for 100 psi internal
pressure, test pressure is 150 psi, max test pressure is 225 psi. There is a 10 x's safety margin on the
pipe pressure and DOW claims their resins achieve a 16 x's safety margin and
yes they do take into consideration constant pulsing and hammering of the pipe
as well as temps of 180' and chemicals that would eat your steel subs alive.
(no offense to steel lovers) For those that think frp will give them
greater styling advantages, this is only true for ambient subs shape will
still play an important role on a 1 ATM sub in frp. When i get the information
for calculating thickness for a vacuum chamber I will share it freely with
those that love composites..... |