Building an Efficient Submarine: Tips and Factors for a Successful Race

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In summary, the conversation was about building a submarine for a physics project. The main concerns were how to start the project, what materials to use, and how to increase the speed of the submarine. The group will be racing their submarine in a week and is looking for any tips or factors to consider in building it. The suggested materials are lightweight and hydrodynamic, and the vessel should have a length of 1m and stay 2ft below the surface. The conversation also mentioned using a torpedo for the race and briefly discussed the basics of building a submarine, including the vessel, power/propulsion, and guidance.
  • #1
mysassygirl
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we were asked to build a submarine as a requirement to pass our physics subjct...
the problem is.we don't know how to start, and what materials(simple and not expensive by the way) should we use:frown:

also our prof said that it is going to be a race (and it will be uhm..1week frm now)and we will be competing with other groups..
could you give me some tips on how to increase the speed of our submarine?
and what are the factors that should be considered in building a submarine?...

*PS:eek:ur submarine should have a length of (max)=1m, and should be 2ft below the surface...

PLEASE..PLEASE..PLEASE...
ur reply wud be highly appreciated...:smile:
 
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  • #2
http://www.btinternet.com/~philipr/torps.htm

Oughta give you ideas for controlling depth and direction. Browse the hardware stores plumbing depts. for materials.
 
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  • #3
At a depth of only 2 feet, the materials are not really a concern. I don't suspect this device is intended to last any significant amount of time, so rotting or corrosion are not much of an issue either.

If you're just trying to make this thing move through the water as fast as possible, try to make it lightweight, hydrodynamic, and have a LOT of thrust.

- Warren
 
  • #4
we don't know how to start, and what materials(simple and not expensive by the way) should we use

also our prof said that it is going to be a race (and it will be uhm..1week frm now)and we will be competing with other groups..
could you give me some tips on how to increase the speed of our submarine?
and what are the factors that should be considered in building a submarine?...

*PS:eek:ur submarine should have a length of (max)=1m, and should be 2ft below the surface...
Well, for a race, one would probably prefer a torpedo. :biggrin: So what are the basics of submarine or torpedo - vessel (hull), power/propulsion, and guidance.

Vessel - something tubular with a round nose and round stern. For speed it should be streamlined as much as possible. Materials could be pipe of metal, plastic, wood, . . . e.g. 3" PVC pipe, or larger. Add ballast to set bouyancy for 2 ft below surface.

Power/propuslion - some type of motor and propeller. Torpedoes have electric propulsion systems using batteries. Finding a propeller might be problematical, but a hobby shop, which sells model boats might have them, or one could machine a propellor. Compressed gas is a possibility. Chemical reaction might work, but is complicated and perhaps hazzardous. A constraint is interior size of hull.

Guidance - some type of fins/rudder to make submarine go in straight line - or one use a gyroscope, but that needs power.

This might help - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo
 

1. How does a submarine work?

A submarine works by using a combination of ballast tanks, pumps, and propellers to control its buoyancy and movement. The ballast tanks can be filled with water to make the submarine sink and emptied to make it rise. The pumps control the flow of water in and out of the ballast tanks, while the propellers provide forward motion.

2. What materials are used to build a submarine?

Submarines are typically made of strong and durable materials such as steel, titanium, and aluminum. These materials are able to withstand the immense pressure of being submerged in water and can also resist corrosion from the saltwater environment.

3. How deep can a submarine go?

The maximum depth a submarine can go depends on its design and purpose. Some military submarines can reach depths of up to 800 feet, while research submarines can go as deep as 36,000 feet (or almost 7 miles) in the ocean's deepest trenches.

4. How is air supplied to a submarine?

Most modern submarines have an oxygen supply system that converts seawater into breathable air through a process called electrolysis. This allows the submarine to stay submerged for extended periods of time without needing to surface for fresh air.

5. How do submarines communicate underwater?

Submarines use a variety of communication technologies to communicate with other submarines, ships, and bases while underwater. These can include radio waves, sonar, and acoustic signals. Some submarines also use periscopes to visually communicate with other vessels above the surface.

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