Accession Number:

AD0653094

Title:

Concept Design for a Manned Underwater Station

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Technical Report]

Corporate Author:

WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP BALTIMORE MD

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1967-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

234

Abstract:

The results of a fifteen man-month conceptual design study for a Manned Underwater Station are presented, conforming to the requirement of a 30-day mission for 5 men at 6000 feet. The station is self-supporting when emplaced by using an isotope heat source with turbo-electric power generation, and a life support system to provide comfortable one-atmosphere environment. The pressure hull is toroidal in shape, forty feet in overall diameter with a 10-foot tube diameter. HY-140 steel is recommended for construction of the internally ring-stiffened hull. The concept provides a stable platform with maximum viewing of the bottom in the limited visibility in the deep ocean. For bottom locations with sufficient bearing strength, the hemispherical foundation and toroidal hull act as a ball-and socket joint with unique leveling capability. Where extremely low bearing strength materials are encountered, modifications are made to distribute the load on the bottom. Additional toroidal modules, mating in a vertical stack, permit expanding the station for larger operational missions. Emergency power and life support provisions are included for a 5-day period beyond the 30-day mission requirement. However, with the recommended power system and the electro-mechanical life support equipment there is no reason why the mission time cannot be extended to 90 days when personnel interchange is undertaken. Crews may be exchanged by using small submersibles which have a mating capability with bottomed submarines.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

• Submarine Engineering
• Test Facilities, Equipment and Methods

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]