CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/841219
45 CompositesWorld.com Composite Submersible a deepsea dive. Spencer Composites Inc. (Sacramento, CA, US), a designer/manufacturer of composite parts and structures for a variety of end-markets, had designed and fabricated the Deep- Flight Challenger's hull. "I knew of the submersible Graham Hawkes designed for Steve Fossett," says OceanGate's Rush. "And I knew Spencer Composites manufactured that cylinder." Spencer Composites' president Brian Spencer signed a contract with OceanGate for the Cyclops 2 hull in early January 2017 and was presented with very basic — but challenging — performance parameters: Length, 2,540 mm; outside diameter, 1,676 mm; Illustration / Karl Reque Spencer Composites OceanGate Cyclops2 › Carbon fiber/epoxy hull proves both exceed- ingly strong and naturally buoyant. › Micromechanics analysis for high service pressure. › Alternate prepreg (axial) and wet winding (hoop) maximize strength, stiffness, achieve <1% porosity. service pressure, 6,600 psi; pressure safety factor, 2.25. "ey basi- cally said, 'is is the pressure we have to meet, this is the factor of safety, this is the basic envelope. Go design and build it,'" Spencer reports. And he was given six weeks in which to do it. A room with a view Cyclops 2 will consist of six primary structures: • A cylindrical composite hull with room for five adults (a pilot and four passengers). • Two titanium interface caps (one bonded to each open end of the hull). Titanium interface cap 380-mm acrylic viewport Titanium end cap, hinged for crew entry/exit CUTAWAY VIEW Glass fiber shell Skids Propulsion systems HD camera Titanium interface cap Titanium end cap Carbon fiber/epoxy hull (2.54m long, 1.68m outside diameter)