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Hello Paul. I'm new at this group so I'll continue to take a back seat to
the discussions, and try to learn a little as I go along.
My Father taught me long ago about the virtues of-----" keep your eyes open
and your mouth shut"
In answer to your question, yes, it will take some internal reinforcement,
bot not as much as would be required for a cylindrical tube ( propane
tank?)
This design is borrowed from another sub which has been in service for
quite some time.
It is much like a flattened sphere.
The reason for internal reinforcement is to beef up the areas around the
view ports and hatch.
Many subs are long and somewhat cigar shaped.
I've done some modeling and found that a sphere shape can maneuver better
than a cigar, and with some added streamline fairing's to cover the ballast
tanks and reserve tanks, can be pretty good at power conservation in forward
motion as well.
My wife says it looks like a flying saucer!!
What I lose in forward speed per watt, I gain in maneuverability in close
quarters.
My calculated crush depth is about 1200 feet sw.
My initial dive max will be at 150 ft. with a tether, but I wanted the hull
to be able to go to 600 ft as I learn more.
I think the hull is the least expensive part of a submersible craft, so a
little extra "beef" at the beginning should give back some measure of
flexibility when I need to up-grade for more adventurous dives.
My weak spot is controls and electronics. I've read some interesting
things on the web-site, but frankly a lot of it is way over my head.
There is definitely a learning curve here and I'm looking forward to it
with great enthusiasm.
As with most people here, this is a life long dream of mine, ( and I'm not
young anymore )
As a scuba diver, I've seen some things that make me marvel at the
diversity of life here on our world, and I want to see more!
Wish me luck.......Frank
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