How the Submarine Works?
A submarine is a complex machine that has fascinated people for centuries. From its early beginnings as a simple hand-powered vessel to the advanced, high-tech machines we see today, the submarine has evolved significantly over the years. In this article, we will delve into the inner workings of a submarine and explore how it operates.
Basic Principles
Before we dive into the details, let’s understand the basic principles of how a submarine works. A submarine is a self-contained underwater vessel that uses a combination of ballast tanks, propellers, and control surfaces to operate.
- Ballast tanks: Submarines have ballast tanks that can be filled with water or air, depending on the desired buoyancy. By filling the tanks with water, the submarine becomes heavier and sinks, while filling them with air makes it lighter and rises.
- Propellers: Submarines use propellers to move through the water. The propellers are powered by electric motors or diesel engines, which drive the propeller shaft.
- Control surfaces: Submarines have control surfaces such as rudders, planes, and hydroplanes that help to control the direction and speed of the vessel.
Power Generation
Submarines generate power using one of two methods:
- Diesel-electric: This system uses diesel engines to generate electricity, which powers the propellers and other systems. Diesel-electric systems are commonly used in larger submarines.
- Nuclear reactors: Some submarines use nuclear reactors to generate electricity, which powers the propellers and other systems. Nuclear reactors provide a reliable and quiet source of power.
Ballast Tank Control
Submarines use ballast tanks to control their buoyancy and depth. Here’s how it works:
- Filling with water: When the submarine needs to dive, it fills the ballast tanks with water, making it heavier and allowing it to descend.
- Filling with air: When the submarine needs to rise, it fills the ballast tanks with air, making it lighter and allowing it to ascend.
- Trim control: The submarine’s ballast tanks can also be used to control the trim, or the angle of the vessel. By filling one tank with water and the other with air, the submarine can adjust its trim and maintain a stable depth.
Propulsion
Submarines use propellers to move through the water. Here’s how it works:
- Electric motors: The electric motors are powered by the submarine’s power generation system.
- Propeller shaft: The electric motors drive the propeller shaft, which turns the propeller.
- Propeller: The propeller creates a force that moves the submarine through the water.
Steering and Control
Submarines use a combination of control surfaces and propellers to steer and control their direction:
- Rudder: The rudder is a flat surface located at the back of the submarine that helps to steer the vessel.
- Planes: The planes are flat surfaces located on either side of the submarine that help to control the direction and speed of the vessel.
- Hydroplanes: The hydroplanes are flat surfaces located on the bottom of the submarine that help to control the direction and speed of the vessel.
Depth Control
Submarines use a combination of ballast tanks and control surfaces to control their depth:
- Depth sensors: The submarine has depth sensors that monitor its depth and provide feedback to the control systems.
- Ballast tank control: The submarine’s ballast tanks are controlled to adjust the vessel’s buoyancy and depth.
- Control surfaces: The submarine’s control surfaces are used to control the direction and speed of the vessel and maintain a stable depth.
Key Components
Here are some of the key components that make up a submarine:
- Pressure hull: The pressure hull is the strongest part of the submarine, designed to withstand the pressure of the water at depth.
- Control room: The control room is the nerve center of the submarine, where the crew monitors and controls the vessel’s systems.
- Engine room: The engine room is where the submarine’s power generation system is located.
- Ballast tanks: The ballast tanks are used to control the submarine’s buoyancy and depth.
- Propeller: The propeller is used to move the submarine through the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a submarine is a complex machine that uses a combination of ballast tanks, propellers, and control surfaces to operate. From its power generation system to its steering and control systems, each component plays a critical role in the submarine’s ability to operate effectively. Whether using diesel-electric or nuclear reactors, the submarine is an incredible machine that has revolutionized the way we explore and interact with the ocean.
