Acrylic spherical pressure hull for Manned Submersible

Abstract

Materials used for construction of ocean exploration vehicles require excellent resistance to corrosion in marine environment and higher strength to weight ratio. Acrylic is one of such material which has added benefit of having transparency to be used as material for construction of human occupied pressure hull for Manned Submersible. This paper describes approaches for the design of acrylic pressure hull for sea water depth by utilizing the empirical procedures of ASME PVHO-1. It also presents finite element analysis for the comparison with results of analytical calculations. Based on finite element analysis model, stress and deformation characteristics have been accomplished and then collapse pressure has been analyzed through non-linear buckling analysis considering imperfection during manufacturing. Finite element analysis shows that the acrylic spherical pressure hull is safe for designed sea water depth for an application of human occupied pressure rated cabin in Manned Submersible.