A Mathematical Analysis for Design of the Shape of Underwater Housings: A Synopsis

Joe J. Lones

An expression for a family of curves can offer valuable assistance to the designer when hydrodynamic stability, buoyancy, contents shape and operational depth impose stringent design specifications on underwater enclosures. As a basis for seeking a useable expression it is noted that the common spherical or cylindrical shapes for pressure vessels utilize a circular cross section easily defined in mathematical terms. Investigating the equation of a circle reveals that it can be modified to produce shape variations with extreme flexibility for enclosing a particular mechanism or component. These circle-variation equations, dubbed super-circles by Danish philosopher Piet Hein, have been utilized extensively by architects to shape buildings and landscapes.

Print ISSN
Published
1973-12
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J07637