Pressure on a Capsule within an Enclosure (Underwater @ 500m)

In summary, the study examines the effects of external pressure on a capsule submerged at a depth of 500 meters underwater. It explores how the intense pressure influences the structural integrity and behavior of the capsule, including potential risks of implosion and material fatigue. The findings highlight the necessity for robust engineering designs to withstand such extreme conditions, ensuring safety and functionality for underwater applications.
  • #1
cambeaux
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TL;DR Summary
For this engineering project I am trying to understand how the pressure would be distributed (if at all) throughout. I am not sure how the pressure would be felt or distributed within this implosion capsule (will be filled with air). Any help would be appreciated.
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For this engineering project I am trying to understand how the pressure would be distributed (if at all) throughout the enclosure.
It will be at a depth of 500 meters (4888 kPA).

It is designed with a stainless steel enclosure which can withstand the external pressure at this depth. Inside is the implosion capsule, this will need to implode around this depth (+- 50 m), shrinking to release the spring tension, dropping the block, allowing the steel balls to retreat into the space and release cargo on the sea floor.

I am not sure how the pressure would be felt or distributed within this implosion capsule (will be filled with air). Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
I should also note this will be attached to an ROV, and the cargo will be a clump weight of 30-50 lb
 
  • #3
cambeaux said:
I should also note this will be attached to an ROV, and the cargo will be a clump weight of 30-50 lb
That little thing in your picture is 50 pounds? How big is this capsule?

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Also, can you post a more detailed drawing of this thing, and identify what each material is (steel, air, etc.)? What "implodes" to release the payload (or payload holder)?
 
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  • #4
berkeman said:
That little thing in your picture is 50 pounds? How big is this capsule?

View attachment 344864

Also, can you post a more detailed drawing of this thing, and identify what each material is (steel, air, etc.)? What "implodes" to release the payload (or payload holder)?
Here are some more sketches I made. Let me know if this makes this any clearer... sorry this is a pretty new concept that I was recommended to look into. The inner cylinder would ideally implode INSIDE the enclosure to release the spring in tension. The clump weight would be held around the enclosure with a washer (this part hasn't been discussed too in depth yet). The clump weight would be what is 50 lb., this smaller "device" would just be what would trigger its release at a certain depth. The clump weight is necessary to get our ROV to a deep depth so we don't run its batteries dead.
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  • #5
Sorry, a few more questions to help me understand...

** How much of the 50 pounds does the spring have to hold? (I assume the rest is resisted by the (spring loaded?) steel balls?

** How does the water get into the steel enclosure to compress the plastic plug thing?

Where is the 50 pound payload weight? Is it suspended somehow below this release mechanism, or is it somehow one of the components inside the mechanism that you've drawn?
 
  • #6
cambeaux said:
Here are some more sketches I made.
Thanks.
First question: Which way will the water be admitted? Through or round the sides of the piece with the balls?
Second question: What are the balls for? A detent mechanism?
 

FAQ: Pressure on a Capsule within an Enclosure (Underwater @ 500m)

What is the pressure at 500 meters underwater?

At a depth of 500 meters underwater, the pressure can be calculated using the formula: Pressure = Atmospheric pressure + (Density of water × Gravitational acceleration × Depth). The atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101.3 kPa, the density of seawater is about 1025 kg/m³, and the gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.81 m/s². Therefore, the pressure at 500 meters is approximately 5,000 kPa or 50 times the atmospheric pressure.

How does pressure affect a capsule's structural integrity?

Pressure increases the stress on the materials that make up the capsule. If the pressure exceeds the material's yield strength, it can lead to deformation or failure. Engineers must design capsules to withstand the high pressures found at great depths by selecting appropriate materials and implementing structural reinforcements to prevent catastrophic failure.

What materials are typically used for deep-sea capsules?

Common materials used for deep-sea capsules include titanium, high-strength steel, and specialized composites. These materials are chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand extreme pressures. The design may also incorporate thick walls and spherical shapes to evenly distribute stress.

How is pressure measured inside a capsule at depth?

Pressure inside a capsule can be measured using various sensors, such as piezoelectric sensors or strain gauges, which can detect changes in pressure and convert them into electrical signals. These sensors are calibrated to account for the external pressure and provide accurate readings of the internal environment.

What safety measures are in place for capsules operating at such depths?

Safety measures for capsules operating at depths of 500 meters include rigorous testing of materials and designs, redundancy in pressure monitoring systems, and emergency protocols for rapid ascent in case of failure. Additionally, capsules are often equipped with buoyancy aids and emergency flotation devices to ensure safe recovery.

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