adminSUBMARINES
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater for extended periods usually beneath the surfaces of large rivers and oceans.
Submarines can be classified according to their power source as conventional (diesel-electric), air independent (AIP) and nuclear powered submarines.
Conventional submarines are diesel- electric vessels that use diesel engines to charge batteries, which are then used to power the electric motors for propulsion. The main components of a conventional submarine are the diesel engines, batteries, electric motors and the snorkel. Diesel engines are used specifically to charge the batteries. The batteries are used to power the electric motors for propulsion of the submarine for underwater operation. The snorkel allows the submarine to take air for the diesel engines to operate and the crew to breathe while partially submerged.
Air independent propulsion (AIP) submarine use alternative power source to extend underwater endurance, reducing the need for surfacing. The main components of AIP submarines are AIP systems includes fuel cells, stirling engines or closed diesel engines. They include oxygen storage which enables AIP systems to operate without atmospheric oxygen. The fuel cell is used to generate electricity, water and the water eventually splitted in a chemical reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen to be used breathing of engines and the crew, the hydrogen feed back into the fuel cell reaction to continue the process.
Nuclear submarines are powered by nuclear reactors providing unlimited source of energy. The main component of a nuclear submarine are; the nuclear reactor which is used to generate steam during the nuclear power process and the steam is used to drive a steam turbine which produces the electricity need for the propulsion of the submarine. The cooling system which is used to regulate and control, the temperature of the nuclear reactor and the submarine.
The advantages of submarines are as follows: Submarines can operate at great depths, undetected making them ideal for covert military and civilian operations. Submarines can move undetected through oceans allowing them cover to launch surprise attack or conduct reconnaissance on enemy positions.
Nuclear powered submarines can operate underwater for extended periods, enabling them to conduct long duration underwater missions such as mapping, laying power, communication and mining operations on the ocean floor etc.
The disadvantages of submarines are: They are very complex systems requiring extensive training to operate and maintain them. They are very expensive to build as well as to operate and maintain. Submarines operate in hazardous environments necessitating the incorporation of many comprehensible safety features in their design and operation.
The applications of submarines are as follows: Submarines are used for naval warfare, reconnaissance and special military and civilian operations. Submarines are used for oceanographic research, marine biology and geological studies. Submarines are used for offshore oil and gas operations, inspection and maintenance. Submarines are used for underwater exploration and other tourist ventures that involve recovery and study of ship wrecks, marine investigations such as documentaries and archaeological research.
The future of submarines is dependent on the development in the following technologies; Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), advanced sensors for improved detection and tracking, increased autonomy of submarines and the development of new propulsion systems to improve submarine endurance and stealth.
SOURCES:
- Submarine design and developments by Norman Friedman.
- Submarine design by David R. Jenkins.
- Submarines: A very short introduction by Katherine D. Moran.
- US submarines since 1945: An illustrated design history by Norman Friedman and James L. Christley.
- Submarine: A guided tour inside a nuclear warship by Tom Clancy.
