Collapse of Composite Model Submarine Pressure Hulls

Large submarines can only dive to a depth of about 400 m (0.25 miles), but the greatest depth of the oceans is about 11.52 km (7.16 miles). The main reason for this depth restriction for large submarines is that submarine pressure hulls are usually made in high-tensile steel and steel has not got a high enough strength: weight ratio for large subamrines to dive much deeper tha 400 m. Materials that have a higher strength: weight ratio are glass fibre and carbon fibre composites and this is the reason why the present study was carried out. Submarine pressure hulls made from suitable composites should be able to 'conquer' the Mariana's Trench.