Military submarines are used primarily for reconnaissance, attacks on ships or other submarines, aircraft carrier protection or land attacks.
Submarines operate all around the world, and to be able to operate at the depths of the sea, submarines have to go through extensive testing to ensure safety for the crew aboard the submarine.
A variety of subs exist that can perform different tasks.
Types of Submarines
Military – Military submarines are used primarily for reconnaissance, attacks on ships or other submarines, aircraft carrier protection or land attacks.
Deep Submergence Vehicle – These are deep-diving submarines that assist with ocean research and are controlled either operated manually or with robotics.
Recreational – Also used for marine research, recreational submarines are increasingly important and popular.
Mini Subs – Also called scooters, mini-subs enables people to go down to a depth of up to 12 meters without need of wearing a buoyancy control device or tank.
Submarine Safety Testing
Safety testing ensures the safety of the crew of the sub as well as the sub’s ability to complete its job. Testing structural design is most important for testing depth.
Submarines also must meet environmental and shock testing standards. These include tests for thermal shock, solar radiation, seismic shock, rapid decompression, acoustic noise, and pyro shock. Engineers and technicians who are familiar with environmental and shock testing will use a wide array of simulations to make sure a submarine is able to withstand many of the potential environmental hazards it will encounter.
Engineers and technicians are also essential for testing mechanical and hydraulic/pneumatic testing. The goal is to simulate operational parameters through reproducing various flow, stress and fatigue conditions. These tests include standards for fire resistance, hydraulic/pneumatic pressure impulse, flow, proof and burst, and fuel contamination and fuel icing. Sub safety standards require numerous testing for harsh environmental and operational conditions, ensuring that no matter what type of sub, it is equipped for its mission and will keep all crew and passengers on the submarine safe.
Check out this infographic from NTS about the world of sub testing and beyond:
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