Analytical Studies of Hollow Spheres for Lower Density Higher Strength Buoyancy Materials.

摘要

An investigation was made to develop a low density, high strength buoyancy system of materials with a target density of 0.3 to 0.4 cu gm/cu cm (19-25 lb/cu ft) which will be able to withstand 13,500 psi hydrostatic pressure. For a hollow sphere of a particular material at 13,500 psi external pressure the optimum sphere density is a constant for any desired outer diameter. The following candidate materials are potentially suitable and are listed in order of ascending optimum sphere densities at 13,500 psi external pressure: beryllia 7.8 lb/cu ft, silicon carbide 8.1 lb/cu ft, alumina 10.8 lb/cu ft, glass 14.8 lb/cu ft, aluminum 16.2 lb/cu ft, titanium 21.5 lb/cu ft, steel 27.8 lb/cu ft.