Hydrostatically Loaded Structures

“Hydrostatically Loaded Structures” introduces the reader to the structural mechanics, analysis, and design of submersibles intended for exploration of the ocean and lake depths. Such trips could well be for location of mineral resources, inspection of submerged portions of off-shore towers for oil drilling platforms, inspection of ocean bottom pipelines, carrying tourists on underwater adventures, carrying commercial cargo, and other uses yet to be found.

Design of the hydrostatically loaded vehicles involved presents many problems not encountered in design of land-based systems. Not only are localized normal pressures very large, but most of the structural systems are extremely sensitive to initial geometric imperfections. Relative small departures from the nominal geometry become very important. For example, small departures from true circularity of a cylindrical or spherical pressure hull greatly diminishes its capability to descend to great depths. Residual stresses often decrease the load carrying capability of the system. Confirmation of any mathematical analysis of structural behavior must be obtained by comprehensive experimental programs.