Submersible Disaster: Making Sense of the Unfortunate Incident
Analyzing the Science and Mistakes that are all over the Internet
A lot has been said and written about the recent Titan submersible disaster.
Even though there has been no solid conclusion yet on what happened to the Titan, this unfortunate event has raised the minds' curiosity about what these vehicles are and how they operate underwater.
In a few places I read, Titan has been referred to as a submarine, which is incorrect.
From Oceangate’s (Titan Sub belongs to this company) website:
Titan is a Cyclops-class manned submersible designed to take five people to a depth of 4000 meters
How exactly are a submarine and a submersible different from each other?
Although they both operate underwater, they are not the same.
A submarine is a self-propelled vessel that can operate on the water’s surface and submerged beneath the water’s surface for extended periods. Submarines are designed to carry a crew, and they can travel underwater by controlling their buoyancy and using propulsion systems.
On the other hand, a submersible is a general term that refers to any underwater vehicle designed to operate beneath the water's surface.
Submersibles can include
Manned vehicles,
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
They are typically used for scientific research, exploration, deep-sea observation, or underwater construction tasks. Unlike submarines, submersibles may not necessarily have the ability to travel on the water’s surface or be designed for long-duration operations.
In short, Submarines are a specific type of Submersible.
Submarine
Submarines are typically cylindrical and equipped with various systems and technologies to enable them to function underwater. They are constructed with a strong hull to withstand the pressure of the surrounding water and are often made of steel or other sturdy materials.
Submarines are powered by diesel engines for surface travel and electric motors for submerged operations. Some advanced submarines also use nuclear reactors for propulsion, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods without the need to surface for air.
Submarines have various capabilities, including the ability to dive to great depths, navigate underwater, and launch torpedoes or missiles. They often have periscopes, sonar systems, and other sensors to detect and track other vessels or underwater objects.
In military applications, submarines can carry out various missions, such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and, if necessary, engage in warfare.
There are several types of submarines, each with its purpose and capabilities. Here are some of the common types:
Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): These submarines are designed for carrying and launching ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. They are typically larger and heavily armed. SSBNs serve as a key component of a country’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
Attack Submarines (SSNs): Also known as hunter-killer submarines, these vessels are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships. They are equipped with torpedoes, cruise missiles, and other advanced weaponry. SSNs are usually smaller and more maneuverable than SSBNs.
Guided-Missile Submarines (SSGNs): These submarines are equipped with guided missiles and can carry out a variety of missions, including precision strikes against land targets, anti-ship warfare, and special operations support. SSGNs can launch cruise missiles and sometimes have additional capabilities, such as hosting special forces units.
Cruise Missile Submarines (SSG/SSGN): Some submarines are specifically designed for launching cruise missiles. They are often smaller than other types and primarily focused on delivering precision strikes against land or sea targets.
Coastal Submarines: These submarines are optimized for operations in coastal or shallow waters. They are typically smaller and offer enhanced maneuverability for operating in confined areas.
Research Submarines: Research submarines are utilized for scientific exploration and study of the marine environment. They are often equipped with specialized equipment and instruments for collecting data on oceanography, marine biology, geology, and other research purposes.
Rescue Submarines: These submarines are designed to conduct search and rescue operations for distressed submarines or divers. They have systems to locate and assist distressed submarines and may have facilities to accommodate rescued personnel.
Submersible
Manned Submersibles: These are vehicles designed to carry humans inside an enclosed cabin or sphere. These submersibles allow scientists, researchers, and explorers to observe and interact with the underwater environment personally. Manned submersibles can reach significant depths, and they are equipped with life support systems, viewing ports, manipulator arms, and scientific instrumentation. (Titan submersible falls under this category)
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): ROVs are unmanned submersibles controlled remotely from the surface. They are connected to the surface by a tether that provides power and communication. ROVs are widely used for underwater exploration, deep-sea research, offshore inspections, underwater construction, and recovery missions.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): AUVs are unmanned submersibles that operate autonomously without requiring real-time control from the surface. They are pre-programmed with instructions and use onboard sensors and navigation systems to accomplish their missions. AUVs are used for oceanographic research, underwater mapping, environmental monitoring, and underwater surveys. They can be equipped with various sensors and instruments to collect data and images from the underwater environment.
Science Behind Underwater Vehicles
Archimedes’ principle states that the buoyant force experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. In other words, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid that would occupy the same volume as the submerged object.
When an object is placed in a fluid, it experiences two forces: the force of gravity pulling it downward (its weight) and the upward buoyant force. If the weight of the object is greater than the buoyant force, the object sinks. If the weight is equal to the buoyant force, the object floats at a specific level in the fluid.
In the case of submarines, buoyancy is utilized to control the depth at which the submarine operates. By adjusting its buoyancy, a submarine can either float on the water’s surface or submerge to various depths underwater.
Submarines achieve buoyancy control through the use of ballast tanks and a system known as the “submarine’s bubble.” When the submarine wants to submerge, it fills it’s ballast tanks with water, which increases its overall weight and causes it to sink. When the submarine wants to ascend or float, it expels water from its ballast tanks, reducing its weight and allowing it to rise to the surface.
The ballast tanks are usually located in the lower parts of the submarine’s hull. By controlling the water in these tanks, the submarine can adjust its buoyancy and achieve the desired depth. To maintain stability while submerged, submarines also have systems to control their pitch (fore and aft movement) and roll (side-to-side movement).
It’s important to note that achieving neutral buoyancy is a critical aspect of the submarine operation. Neutral buoyancy means that the submarine’s overall weight equals the weight of the water it displaces. This allows the submarine to remain at a specific depth without sinking or rising. By controlling its buoyancy precisely, a submarine can maintain its desired depth underwater and operate effectively.
What Went Wrong With the Titan?
Studies estimate the most likely cause of this disaster to be an implosion — which means the vessel collapsed inwards due to the high pressure developed at the great depths of the sea.
It is also speculated that the technology used by Oceangate was more experimental than certified. (Source-CNN)
Conclusion
It’s not the first time that research has met with setbacks, and with each incident, we learn and explore more about our planet.
I just wish human lives were not lost in what’s supposed to be a part of the tourism industry’s fun ride.