WHOI Technical Memoranda

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  • Working Paper
    DSRV Alvin weight report : 1975
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1975-10) Sharp, Arnold G.
    Weight and stability information has been updated for the research submarine ALVIN for 1975. The report includes results of the computations programmed for the Institution's XDS Sigma-7 computer, observed values resulting from the tethered trim dive and inclining experiments, and miscellaneous stability calculations. principal results are the weight, displacement, and longitudinal and vertical components of the BG and GM distances, for the complete submersible, and for various major sub-assemblies.
  • Working Paper
    Criteria for the selection, training and qualification of pilots for the deep submergence engineering and operations section
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1968-02) Bland, Edward L.
    Because of the comparative newness of the deep submergence vehicle and the business of selecting and training new operators, a standard set of procedures do not exist. A firm program will only resolve itself after a number of operators have been successfully trained and qualified. Subsequent additions, deletions and revisions to the system will be made as the experience level increases. Background and experience requirements are not firm at this point - they will be flexible to fit the abilities and background of the particular individual and organization. Minimum selection requirements such as physical and psychological fitness, integrity, maturity and judgment must, of necessity, be defined however. Other selection requirements may be altered to fit the individual.
  • Working Paper
    Weight, buoyancy and stabiltiy of DSRV Alvin, 1967
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1968-01) Sharp, Arnold G. ; Winget, Clifford L.
    A complete weight and stability analysis for the research submarine ALVIN is presented. Weights, displacements, locations of center of gravity and center of buoyancy, and longitudinal and vertical components of the BG distance are given for the submarine in its normal condition, and in a number of emergency conditions. A computer program was set up for this purpose and results were obtained using the WHOI computer. The metacentric height GM was calculated using a semi-graphical method. Some of the results obtained in the ALVIN dockside trials are included. Experimentally determined values of BG and GM are compared with the computed values.
  • Working Paper
    A comparative study of the heave and pitch motions of, the deep submersible, Alvin and her support catamaran during surface operations
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1967-05-10) Booth, Ronald J.
    The heaving and pitching motions of ALVIN and her support catamaran are predicted theoretically and experimentally determined at zero speed by model tests. Comparison is made between theory predictions and experimental results for each of the vessels and then the model test results for the two vessels, with ALVIN in the recovery position are compared. The theoretical results were computed by a computer program based on the Korvin-Kroukovsky linear theory of ship motions in conjunction with Grim's added mass and damping coefficients. The experimental work with 1/20 scale models was performed at the M.I.T. ship Model Towing Tank. It is concluded that theory predictions, correlates reasonably well with model test results for the catamaran. Teh comparisons for ALVIN were invalidated by questionable experimental data and possible inapplicability of theory. From experimental tests, it was concluded, that the motions of the two ships are synchronous at wavelengths about equal to the length of the catamaran, that the catamaran significantly damps the heave of ALVIN, and that the ALVIN has little effect on the catamaran, in the recovery position. Recommendations for further research in this important part of a "Deep Submergence Vehicle System" are presented.
  • Working Paper
    A discussion of various means for improving visibility from the DSRV Alvin or similar vehicles
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1966-11) Baxter, Lincoln
    Plots of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration of plan ports for underwater viewing are given. Optical characteristics of window materials are discussed. Various simple lens and mirror systems to correct the window aberrations and/or give a wider field of view are evaluated. Unless infinity viewing system (those that project a field of view to both eyes) or more conventional internal telescopes or binoculars are employed the observer or pilot must crouch with face very close to the window to perceive a wide field. Because of the great volume required for the optics of infinity viewing systems, binocular telescopes with eyepieces are thought to be more practical means for increasing pilot and observer comfort. it is shown that hemispherical pressure windows are required for high performance scanning systems and a layout for such a system is given.
  • Working Paper
    Long term exposure and cycling tests of syntactic foam buoyancy material used in DSRV Alvin
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1966-06) Shultz, William S. ; Omohundro, Frank P.
    These test were conducted to determine the long-term water absorption characteristic of ALVIN's syntactic buoyancy material when subjected to repeated hydrostatic loading equal to ALVIN's design depth of 6000 feet. The 24 samples tested were removed from each section of the current buoyancy packages and represents the best material of 120 samples, as determined by previous short term tests reported in Ref.1. Two samples of material poured by WHOI at Otis AFB during the major overhaul of the winter of 1964-65, and a sample of XP-241-40 (3 MC.) are included in this report.
  • Working Paper
    Design and manufacture of new emergency hull release for Alvin
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1965-08) Mavor, James W. ; Sharp, Arnold G.
    The emergency hull release of ALVIN was redesigned in an effort to reduce shaft bending stress and to eliminate galling of contacting surfaces. new design features quarter-turn cam on unthreaded shaft instead of eight-turn threaded shaft of original device. major components are made of Monel K-500 and phosphor bronze inserts used at points of high contact stress.
  • Working Paper
    Fuse testing in oil for Alvin batteries
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1965-02) McCamis, Marvin J. ; Marquet, William M. ; Broderson, George ; Mason, Dave
    This report includes the test results on a series of test made by the DSRVG to find a more suitable fuse for the ALVIN batteries. Figure 1 gives the test setup. The data on page 1 of 5 is of 100 amp, 250 volt standard commercial buss fuse. This fuse was used in ALVIN for the first shallow water dives. Due to the higher I.R. drop and the high current required to blow this fuse, it was desirable to find and test better fuses. The amp trap form 101, type #4, 250 volt fuse was selected for test because of its size and construction. Test data is found on sheets 2, 3, 4, and 5. Disassembly of the amp trap fuse shows that an insulating material is strapped on both sides of the blowing link. This construction minimizes heat loss to the oil and results in a more consistent blowing value when operated in oil Sheets of #3 and 4 have the last test data run on a 150 and 200 amp fuse, pressurized to 3300 PSIG in Tellus #15 oil manufactured by the Shell Oil Company. This test was run to see if pressurizing had any effect on oil penetration. Data collected and run by M.J. McCamis, W.M. Marquet, Geo. Borderson and D. Mason.
  • Working Paper
    Weight, buoyancy and stabiltiy of the research submarine Alvin
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1965-06-28) Mavor, James W.
    During the period from October 1964 to May 1965, the ALVIN was located in a hanger at Otis AFB where a number of changes were made. These included: 1) Redesign of the electrical circuits to provide individual isolated circuits for the emergency systems. 2) Installation of leak detectors in the fixed buoyancy packages containing 7178-T6 Aluminum spheres. 3) Redesign of the hull release mechanism. 4) Installation of the pressure sensing mechanism (switch and valve) in the variable ballast system. 5) Replacement of the battery. 6) Addition of syntactic foam. 7) Addition of glass reinforced plastic reinforcement to the faired shell. 8) Addition of the second air bottle. 9) Removal of solenoids for manual operation of the conning tower flood valves. 10) Redesign of the interior sphere arrangement.
  • Working Paper
    WHOI comments on DSRV Alvin design
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1965-01-12) Bureau of Ships
    WHOI comments on DSRV Alvin design, including: personnel sphere; personnel sphere windows, hatch and penetrations; buoyancy materials; and weight and stability.
  • Working Paper
    Summary report on fabrication, inspection and test of Alvin fixed and variable buoyancy spheres
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1965-01) Mavor, James W.
    Fifteen aluminum alloy spheres of approximately 2 ft. diameter are used in the research submarine ALVIN for fixed and variable buoyancy. Six of them (GM Dwg.542019) are made from 6061-T6 alloy and are known as the variable buoyancy spheres (V.B.). The material of the other nine is 7178-T6 alloy. These are known as the fixed buoyancy spheres (F.B) (GMI Dwg. 542019). This report describes the manufacture, inspection, test and predicted collapse pressure of these spheres. In addition, four additional spheres, two of each type were tested to failure. Results are reported.
  • Working Paper
    Electrical and pressure tests of Alvin's electrical through hull penetrators
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1964-11) Learnard, H. H. ; McCamis, Marvin J. ; Swinhart, O. L.
    Our objective was to investigate the mechanical and electrical integrity of the hull penetrator assembly, in its eighteen (18) ten 910) amp single lead configuration, as designed by Litton Industries for the ALVIN. The results indicated a few minor refinements must be made to the penetrator before final acceptance of this hardware.
  • Working Paper
    DSRV Alvin weight report : 1971
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1971-08) Sharp, Arnold G. ; Winget, Clifford L. ; Eliason, Andrew H.
    Complete weight and stability calculations are presented for the newly rebuilt research submarine ALVIN. Longitudinal and vertical components of the BG distance are given for the vehicle in its normal condition, and in a number of emergency conditions. Some of the post-refit certification trials also are described and test results are given. Experimentally determined values of BG are compared with the computed values.
  • Working Paper
    Experimental analysis of the failed wire ropes of the submersible Alvin hoist system
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1970-07) Berteaux, Henri O. ; Morey, Ronald L.
    The research submarine ALVIN was carried, launched, and recovered by a platform hoist located between the pontoons of the catamaran support vessel, LULU. (Figure No. 1) On October 16, 1969, the wire ropes of the hoist system failed and the submarine ALVIN was lost. The modes and causes of the failures were subsequently investigated in a comprehensive test program. Methods and results of this experimental analysis are hereafter reviewed.
  • Working Paper
    DSRV Alvin weight report : 1974
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1974-12) Sharp, Arnold G.
    Weight and stability computations are presented for the research submarine ALVIN for the year 1974. Longitudinal and vertical components of the BG distance are shown for the vehicle in its normal submerged condition, and for a number of vehicle emergency conditions. Calculations for pounds per inch immersion and moment to heel one degree also are included.
  • Working Paper
    Oil filled electrical cables external to the pressure hull on DSV Alvin
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1975-12) Hosom, David S.
    This report provides background information on undersea cables of conventional construction and of the oil filled type. Design considerations for oil filled cable systems are presented as well as description of the ALVIN oil compensated electrical system. Descriptions of individual components used in the ALVIN system are provided as well as operating experience. This information is of use in designing oil filled electrical cables external to the pressure hull of any submersible.
  • Working Paper
    Alvin operators manual
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1975-11) Shumaker, Lawrence A.
    The safe operation of the Deep Submergence Research vehicle ALVIN requires a great deal of planning and a high level of competence on the part of all persons concerned with the operation. In particular however it requires that the pilots have a thorough knowledge of the vehicle and the operating procedures which have been developed over a long period of varying types of operations. The primary purpose of an Operator's manual is to provide a framework around which pilots may build their knowledge and skills in such a fashion that everyone will know, at least ina general way, how the pilot will react to operational situations and to casualties. This allows the Surface Controller as well as the rest of the support crew to render a maximum of assistance with a minimum of communications and confusion. It must be understood however that under any given circumstance the pilot at the time is the only one who can assess the specific requirements for safe operation and decide on a course of action. in this sense the procedures in this Manual are meant to serve only as guidelines and the pilot is expected to utilize judgement and initiative in the operation of the DSRV.
  • Working Paper
    DSRV Alvin weight report, 1973
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1973-12) Sharp, Arnold G. ; Doherty, Kenneth W.
    Weight and stability computations are presented for the research submarine ALVIN following the installation, early in 1973, of the new titanium alloy pressure hull built by the U.S. navy under "Project Titanes." Longitudinal and vertical components of the BG distance are shown for the vehicle in its normal submerged condition, and for a number of emergency conditions. Calculations for pounds per inch immersion and moment to heel one degree also are included. results of the post-refit dockside trials are presented and discussed.
  • Working Paper
    DSRV Alvin weight report : 1972
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1972-12) Sharp, Arnold G. ; Eliason, Andrew H.
    Complete weight and stability computations are presented for the research submarine ALVIN for the year 1972. Longitudinal and vertical components of the BG distance are shown for the vehicle in its normal submerged condition, for the vehicle with the large rock drill attached and then released, and for a number of vehicle emergency conditions. Calculations for pounds per inch immersion and moment to trim one degree also are included. Results of the tethered trim dive are presented and discussed.
  • Working Paper
    Weight and stability of DSRV Alvin : 1978
    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1978-10) Sharp, Arnold G.
    The ALVIN weight and stability report for 1978 contains the usual programmed computations covering the normal submerged and normal surfaced vehicle configurations as well as a number of emergency conditions. Weight and stability figures also are reported for major vehicle subassemblies. Because of important structural modifications to ALVIN during the 1977-78 overhaul period the surface and submerged inclining experiments were conducted at the end of that period. The usual tethered trim dive also was preformed and the results of these experiments are reported.