Pressure a sphere of polycarbonate can withstand underwater?

In summary, a polycarbonate sphere's maximum depth underwater depends on factors such as thickness, material quality, and external pressure. A spherical shape is most ideal for withstanding pressure, while other shapes may not be as strong. The type of water (saltwater vs. freshwater) does not significantly affect the pressure a polycarbonate sphere can withstand. However, temperature can have a slight impact, with colder temperatures making the sphere more resistant to pressure. To determine the maximum pressure a specific polycarbonate sphere can withstand, a pressure test can be conducted by a professional.
  • #1
RICKYtan
23
0
Specifically, how deep can an enclosed space of a polycarbonate (I'm thinking about strong plastics) material withstand underwater before cracking and breaking. Say a 2 liter bottle
 
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  • #2
Google 'acrylic bubble deep sea submersibles'
 
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1. What is the maximum depth that a sphere of polycarbonate can withstand underwater?

The maximum depth that a sphere of polycarbonate can withstand underwater depends on various factors such as the thickness of the sphere, the quality of the polycarbonate material, and the external pressure. Generally, a polycarbonate sphere can withstand depths of up to 2000 meters without showing any signs of damage.

2. Does the shape of the sphere affect its ability to withstand pressure underwater?

Yes, the shape of the sphere can affect its ability to withstand pressure underwater. A spherical shape is the most ideal as it evenly distributes the external pressure across the surface of the sphere, making it more resistant to collapse. Other shapes, such as a cube or cylinder, may not be as strong and can collapse under the same amount of pressure.

3. How does the type of water (saltwater vs. freshwater) affect the pressure a polycarbonate sphere can withstand?

The type of water does not have a significant impact on the pressure a polycarbonate sphere can withstand. However, saltwater is denser than freshwater, which means that a sphere in saltwater will experience slightly higher pressure than in freshwater. This difference is minimal and should not affect the overall ability of the sphere to withstand pressure underwater.

4. Can the temperature of the water affect the pressure a polycarbonate sphere can withstand?

Yes, the temperature of the water can have an impact on the pressure a polycarbonate sphere can withstand. As the temperature decreases, the molecules in the sphere will contract, making it more resistant to pressure. On the other hand, as the temperature increases, the molecules will expand, making the sphere more susceptible to collapse. However, this effect is minimal and is usually only noticeable at extreme temperatures.

5. How can I determine the maximum pressure a specific polycarbonate sphere can withstand underwater?

The maximum pressure a polycarbonate sphere can withstand can be determined by conducting a pressure test. This involves placing the sphere in a controlled environment with increasing pressure until it reaches its breaking point. The pressure at which the sphere collapses is the maximum pressure it can withstand. It is recommended to have a professional perform this test to ensure accuracy and safety.

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