What is the submarine’s maximum safe depth?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the maximum safe depth of a research submarine based on the specifications of a pressure-resistant window. The context includes the diameter and thickness of the window, the maximum force it can withstand, and the internal pressure maintained within the submarine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force, area, and pressure, with some attempting to derive the maximum depth using hydrostatic pressure equations. Questions arise regarding the correct formula for the area of the window and the relevance of the window's thickness.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations of the problem, with some participants providing calculations and others questioning the formulas used. Guidance has been offered regarding the correct approach to calculating the area and the pressure forces acting on the window.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the application of pressure equations and the impact of internal pressure on calculations. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the correct methodology and assumptions related to the problem setup.

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Homework Statement


I have tried this problem six times and it's still wrong. The problem is

A research submarine has a 22.8-cm-diameter window 7.9 cm thick. The manufacturer says the window can withstand forces up to 1280000 N. What is the submarine’s maximum safe depth? The pressure inside the submarine is maintained at 1.0 atm.



Homework Equations



p=po+rogh, p=f/a

The Attempt at a Solution


p=f/a, a=2*pi*r^2+ 2*pi*r*h because I think the window is a cylinder since it has thickness. Hence, I find p by pluging in a.

So,

p= 101325 pa + rogh and i solve for h but that is wrong. Can you help me please. Thank you.
 
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Simply divide the force by the area to get the pressure that the window can withstand. We'll deal with gauge pressures, so the 1 atm interior pressure will cancel with ambient pressure.

So,
p = \frac{F}{A} = \frac{1280000 N}{\frac{\pi D^2}{4}} = 31350.9 kPa
Since we're dealing with gauge pressurse, this will be equal to hydrostatic pressure, so:
<br /> p = \rho g h
<br /> 31350.0*10^3 Pa = (1000 kg/m^3)(9.81 m/s^2)h;\,\, h = 3.195 km

At least that's what I get.
 
For some reason it's not working for me. Is (pi*d^2)/4 another equation for the surface area of a cylinder?
 
The thickness of the window doesn't matter. The total force on the window is

ρghA - (101325)A

which must equal 1280000 N at the maximum safe depth. In your attempt, you had the wrong sign for 101325A (since it's pointing in the opposite direction to the water pressure force), and the wrong formula for the area of the window. A = πr² or πd²/4.
 
Last edited:

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