Trends in Submarine Structures R & D

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current developments affecting the state‐of‐the‐art of submarine structures. These developments are compared with the past achievements of submarine structures R&D programs. The paper includes a brief history of submarine structures' development for the purpose of providing the reader with a necessary background for the subject discussed therein. The main portion of the paper is devoted to the trends in submarine structures R&D and covers topics such as: a) computerized analysis and mathematical modeling; b) development and testing of structural models; c) discussion of the types of loadings which must be considered in submarine design (hydrostatic, dynamic, cyclic, acoustic, etc.); and d) implication of new materials, fabrication, certification, welding techniques, modular construction concepts, etc.Since the submarine hull structure is one of the subsystems of the overall submarine, it should be fully compatible with the requirements dictated by the interfaces with the other submarine systems. In this regard, this paper addresses this factor which hitherto was not fully recognized in structural R&D programs; that is, that developments frequently proceeded at their own “pace” without regard to the ultimate utility of the results and the impact of these results on the other subsystems. Discussion in this area covers the processes for “integrating” structural subsystems into a viable submarine system. Also, a brief mention of the “system oriented R&D management” is provided.In recognition of the classified nature of some of the data related to submarine structures, this paper utilizes only the information available in general literature, news media, and unclassified Navy sources.