Pressure hull development using hybrid composite with metal liner concept

Conceptual design of hybrid composite with metal liner for underwater application is presented in this study. Main objective of this concept is to reduce the total weight of underwater vehicle, while improving its strength characteristic. In this design, polymer composite is used as load bearing structure and metal liner has been introduced to prevent leakage from occurring within the system and also acts as a heat emission component. The main application of this concept is a compartment of pressure hull for electronic component and power system, as well as heat emission agent. This paper comprehensively discussed the design parameters, material properties, pressure hull design and fabrication of the design concept. It was suggested that E-glass/DER331 system and stainless steel were the preferable materials. It is also proposed that the system should be able to operate up to 200m depth.