Unveiling the Mysteries of Submarines

 

Unveiling Submarines

Introduction

Imagine a colossal missile erupting from the ocean depths - a nuclear marvel capable of reaching continents away. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality of submarine technology, exemplified by the Trident II missile launched by a US Navy Ohio-class submarine.

This blog delves into the world of submarines, exploring their mechanisms and operational aspects.

Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy

Submarines operate based on Archimedes' principle. As an object submerges, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the water displaced. A submarine achieves neutral buoyancy, maintaining a constant depth, when its weight matches the displaced water.

For submerging, submarines utilize ballast tanks. Located at the ends, these tanks are filled with air at the surface, allowing the submarine to float. Flooding these tanks with water increases the weight, initiating the descent. This is known as negative buoyancy and is used to control depth.

Steering and Navigation

• Rudder: A vertical rudder facilitates horizontal movement, similar to rudders in ships and airplanes.
• Propeller: A propeller, essentially a fan, propels the submarine forward and backward.
• Sonar: This sound-based technology is crucial for navigation.
  • Active sonar emits sound waves that bounce off objects, revealing their location and distance.
  • Passive sonar detects sounds from other submarines, like engine and propeller noises.

Data Science and Modern Submarines

Multiple sonar sensors constantly collect and monitor data, ensuring the submarine's safety. This highlights the growing importance of data science in various fields.

Interior of a Military Submarine

A typical military submarine has three decks:

• Top Deck: Houses torpedoes, a type of underwater missile.
• Lowest Deck: Contains battery rooms for electric power.
• Middle Deck: Features the engine room, motor room, and control room (the nerve center).

Torpedo Tubes

These cylindrical containers launch torpedoes. Interestingly, they can also serve as emergency escape routes, though a challenging feat due to narrow diameter and immense water pressure at those depths.

Power Source: Conventional vs. Nuclear

• Conventional Submarines: Rely on large batteries needing frequent recharge via diesel engines. Since these engines require air, the submarine must surface periodically.
• Nuclear Submarines: Utilize nuclear reactors for electricity generation, enabling extended underwater stays, limited only by crew provisions.

Structure and Materials

• Rubber Outer Layer: Absorbs sound, making detection difficult.
• Hull: The main body, consisting of:
  • Single Hull: One main body layer.
  • Double Hull: Two main body layers with ballast tanks in between, offering better protection against collisions and water pressure.

Military-grade steel alloys are used to withstand immense underwater pressure.

Design and Manufacturing

• Designing a submarine is complex, taking roughly 10 years for diesel-electric and 15-17 years for nuclear ones.
• India often collaborates with other countries for submarine design but manufactures its own submarines.

Types of Submarines in India

The Indian Navy categorizes submarines into classes:

• Conventional Submarines:
  • Sindhughosh Class (Russian)
  • Shishumar Class (German)
  • Kalvari Class (French-designed, Indian-built)
• Nuclear Submarines:
  • Arihant Class (capable of carrying ballistic missiles)

Other Countries and Submarine Classes

• USA: Ohio-class submarines (powerful, carrying Trident II missiles)
• Russia: Yasen-class submarines (powerful nuclear attack submarines)
• Other Countries: China, UK, France, and Germany also possess similar submarines.

Capacity and Size

• Crew capacity varies depending on the submarine and is often confidential for military reasons. Estimates range from 50-80 for conventional and up to 100 for nuclear submarines.

Witnessing Submarines in Person

• Visakhapatnam: Home to a submarine museum showcasing the retired Indian Navy submarine INS Kursura.
• Tourism/Research Submarines: Offer opportunities to experience being inside a submarine, though they don't venture as deep as military submarines.

Conclusion

Submarines are marvels of engineering, silently patrolling the depths. This blog provided a glimpse into their workings, highlighting the crucial role they play.