Would it be possible for me to build a simple mini-submarine in a home workshop?

Question

I mean something big enough for one person that could be piloted (only a few feet) underwater, perhaps in a local lake or somesuch? Or would the techonology even for something sounding this straightforward be beyond the reach of an amateur engineer?

Answer 1

it's possible, but you might not have access to the necessary materials.  most of it can be salvaged from a boat, but there's more to it than that.  i'm not sure what submarines are made of, but it's obviously some kind of light metal, and it would probably need to be welded by a professional.

Answer 2

Sure it's possible. The first subs (Hinley?) were made of wood.

But you won't get me to ride in it.

The Hinley (sp?) killed it's first two crews.

Answer 3

Why not - there a enough engaged homeworkers who already have done this.

Answer 4

If you're a competent engineer working from detailed plans with proper tools and materials i reckon you could pull it off but don't expect too many volunteers for the maiden voyage!

Good luck.

Answer 5

The number of tools required to build it would be too many for the average home workshop.

Answer 6

am a naval arch. in my opinion u can't because you need a good welding inspection on the welding seems and also you need a pump to pump out/in the water to submerge the submarine. and you need the 2 propeller and power supllay to thrust.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

There are a lot of things to consider in building a working submarine other than the strength of the hull.

Here are some of the basic design considerations:

(1). The volume of water  ballast space which will enable you to submerge the submarine and bring it back to the surface when the ballast is removed, at all your possible loading condition.

(2). Trim tanks which would ensure that your submarine does not trim excessively when submerged.

(3). Depth control tanks

(4). Propulsion system ( note that you can not  use internal combustion engine when fully submerged as it would use up all your reserve air)

(5). Safety which includes, hull circularity, weld joint efficiency, watertight integrity of entry hatch,material reliability, and emergency provisions.

(6). Also there is such a thing as equilibrium polygon, which is a plot of your submarines capability to submerge and resurface at a given loading condition.

(7). Stability of the submarine on the surface and when submerged at all possible loading conditions.

(8). Operations control equipment.

(9). Breathing air supply and removal of carbon dioxide

(11). Ballasting and deballasting provisions ( air banks and control

(12). Solid Ballasts for positive stability

So, unless you have a full technical background on how a submarine works and how it must be made to have a safe and working one, I suggest that you don't do it on your own without the guidance of experts.Otherwise you are just inviting disaster.

FYI, I'm a ship designer, with specialisation in submarine stability, hull circularity circularity, ballasting and conduct of trim dive experiments.

Answer 9

There's no reason why you shouldn't try!  Just make sure you have enough space to get it out of the workshop when its finished! My uncles did that once with a canoe!