don't some modern nuclear submarines actually sail[1] faster when submerged (due to lack of
drag component caused by generating bow wave)?

Yes, they do go faster submerged. But I think it is because at depth, as the water becomes more pressurized, the propeller can do more work, put more energy into the water before it begins to cavitate.

I have heard that a modern nuclear submarine can attain speeds approaching 50 knots submerged. Of course, they have a bit more than 740KW of power available for propulsion.

You think those foot thick lexan hemispheres could not withstand 30*2.2*2.54*2.54 psi?

At more than a million kilograms total load on each one, I think not.

Just for my continuing education, though... what is the formula behind your math "30*2.2*2.54*2.54"? Let's see... the 2.54*2.54 is no doubt going from square centimeters to square inches... what's the 30*2.2? I think I used to know how to calculate water pressure at depth, but it's been such a long time...

tanstaafl.





"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"