How Deep a Submarine Can Go?
Submarines are incredibly versatile and able to operate in a vast range of environments, from the surface of the water to the deepest parts of the ocean. But have you ever wondered just how deep a submarine can actually go? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question, taking a closer look at the capabilities of modern subs and the challenges they face in the deep.
**The Challenger Deep: The Deepest Point on Earth**
The largest submarine, the Russia’s Typhoon-class SSBN, can dive down to a depth of over 525 meters (1,722 feet). China’s Shang CLASS SSGN subs are capable of reaching 420 meters (1,378 feet). These depths are impressive but pale in comparison to the Challenger Deep, the lowest point in the Mariana Trench, which is approximately 11,000 meters (~36,000 feet) below sea level.
• Challenger Deep: The lowest point on Earth, located in the Mariana Trench*
The Limits of Commercial Submarines
Civilian submarines, used primarily for research, tourism, or military purposes, cannot dive as deep as ballistic missile submarines. Private submarine companies, such as DeepFlight Super Falcon III and Triton Submarines, offer deep ocean experiences, but their designs are limited to ~500 meters (1,640 feet) because of the risks and difficulty involved in building and repairing deep-diving subs underwater.
• Private sub limits: 500-1000 meters ( ~1,640- ~3,280 feet)<
The Challenges of Deep-Sea Exploration
The pressure on the hull of a deep-diving submarine is increased by the weight of 4.5 kilometers of water above it. Modern submarines are designed to withstand this pressure, often using thick and reinforced steel to maintain structural integrity.
• Pressure @ Challenger Deep: 103,000 kPa ~15,000 psi(*)
Another significant challenge arises from the temperature rise experienced by the vehicle due to the Adiabatic heating: Water pressure increases exponentially from the surface to the lower depths, causing the subs’ hull to heat up. Water resistance also generates friction and heat transfer. To mitigate this, subs are equipped with advanced cooling systems and radiation barriers.
• Example: A 10-Kilometer (6,2 miles) dive (depth 10,033 meters):
• Temperature rises by 20 C (~36 F)
• Stress on the steel hull increases by 350 times
The Conquest of the Deep Seas
In the 2000s, the Five-Deepest Expedition explored the Mariana Trench, covering approximately 3,175 kilometers (1,968 miles) of seafloor. The Aurora Expeditions International Submarine Expedition recently surveyed the Kermadec Trench.
• Recent submarine exploration:
- Five-Deepest Expedition (2000’s): Mariana Trench (~3,175km / ~1,968mi)
- The Kermadec Submarine Expedition (2011-2012): explored the Kermadec Trench
Where We’re Headed…
The future of oceanic exploration is promising:
- Autonomous Vehicles: Advanced, self-funded submarines, like the Triton 36000 foot, will allow for real-time exploration of the dark ocean.
- Reusability: New engineering breakthroughs will enable design changes, reducing costs of maintenance and construction.
Human exploration will inevitably lead to the discovery and utilization of new subsurface resources.
References:
- Smithsonian Magazine: "New submarine dives to record-deep 35,787 feet in the Mariana Trench"
- The Guardian: "Mariana Trench expedition: Five-deep into the unknown"
In conclusion, while commercial civilian submarines have impressive capabilities (500-1000m / ~1,640- ~3,280ft), the deepest record stands at approximately 37,000 feet (1,124 meters) (set by the Triton 36,000 private submarine). The future of deep-sea exploration is promising, propelled by advancements in technology.
Note: conversion: 1 meter – 3.28 ft; 1 kilogram-force per square centi-meter (kPa)-0.145 psi
The article is written on an 800-1000 words length, taking a closer look at modern submarine capabilities, the constraints and challenges of deep-ocean exploration, and looking ahead to the future technological advancements in this field
