Method for the manufacture of underwater flotation spheres

Abstract

A method for the manufacture of underwater flotation spheres using a personal computer and spreadsheet linked to a numerical control machine is provided. Base data is entered into the spreadsheet and may be verified. Formulae for the design equations are entered and computed for each sphere with data in the spreadsheet. The results of the calculations are readily available and may be displayed in a graphical manner. Sphere design geometry is transmitted to the controller of a numerical controlled (NC) machine. The NC machine produces finished spheres.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
       1. A method for the manufacture of underwater flotation spheres comprising the steps of: a) selecting data for weight, strength and buoyancy calculations;   b) providing a computer and spreadsheet for entry of selected data and weight, strength and buoyancy equations;   c) computing and displaying strength for each sphere in a plurality of spheres;   d) computing and displaying the net buoyancy for each. sphere in a plurality of spheres;   e) computing and displaying the weights for each sphere in a plurality of spheres;   f) displaying all input data for verification;   g) displaying comparative data for determination of preferred sphere design;   h) transmitting selected sphere design geometry to the controller computer program of a numerically controlled machine via a network;   i) forming two finished hemispheres of the specified geometry by use of a numerically controlled machine; and   j) joining the two finished hemispheres to form a finished flotation sphere.   
     
     
       2. A method for manufacture of underwater flotation spheres as in claim 1 wherein the step of providing a computer and spreadsheet comprises providing a personal computer having a spreadsheet program loaded. 
     
     
       3. A method for manufacture of underwater flotation spheres as in claim 1 wherein the step of computing and displaying strength further comprises the step of determining the elastic and inelastic buckling pressures and stresses. 
     
     
       4. A method for manufacture of underwater flotation spheres as in claim 1 wherein the step of computing and displaying net buoyancy comprises the further steps of: a) determining weight-to-displacement ratio;   b) determining weight-in-air of a sphere; and   c) calculating positive buoyancy.