OBSERVATION WINDOWS OF THE DEEP SUBMERSIBLE, ALVIN

Abstract

The basis of the design of the ALVIN plexiglas windows is presented. The results of several tests of plexiglas windows are presented and discussed. It is concluded that the lapping of windows into their seats is unnecessary and that close fit is also not required. The ALVIN windows are conservative in design for an operating depth of 6000 feet. The use of a test window seat which does not simulate the hull strains is satisfactory for window test. It is recommended that the conical window seat be extended inward beyond the window to allow for normal elastic extrusion. Plexiglas windows are susceptible to collision damage due to brittleness and low strength of the material. An external rubber gasket was required to prevent low pressure leakage.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1965
Accession Number
AD0629592

Entities

People

  • James W. Mavor Jr.

Organizations

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Contracts
  • Creep
  • Distortion
  • Elastic Properties
  • Glass
  • Massachusetts
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Mechanics
  • Military Research
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Pressure Hulls
  • Rubber Gaskets
  • Stress Strain Relations
  • Submarine Hulls
  • United States
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.