FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CONCRETE SUBMARINE

A feasibility study was conducted by utilizing classical analysis techniques and state of the art construction methods. Prestressed concrete was found to be a viable material for shallow to medium depth submersibles. A replica of an existing steel-hulled submarine was used in the calculations to enable both economic and performance characteristics to be analyzed and compared. It was found that both longitudinal and circumferential prestress must be used in the construction of the pressure hull. To facilitate this, a modular-segmental construction was employed. It was also found that concrete offers both performance and economic advantages over steel. The performance advantages include: freedom from maintenance, durability, readily-available materials, superior performance under impact and accident conditions, non temperature-sensitive, easily formed into compound curvature, and concrete has good insulating properties. Economic analysis has indicated that the concrete pressure hull would cost between 50% and 60% of the equivalent steel hull.

Supplemental Notes: A more extensive treatment can be found in the final report, Contract No. N66001-74-C-0408, Naval Undersea Center, San Diego, California. This research was carried out at the University of California, Berkeley, California, and supported in part by Naval Undersea Center Contract No. N66001-74-C-0408.

Corporate Authors: Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers 601 Pavonia Avenue

Jersey City, NJ United States 07306-2907

Authors: SMITH, D A

Publication Date: 1975-3

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Features: References;

References; Pagination: 39 p.

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