Design and Manufacturing Process of a New Type of Deep-Sea Spherical Pressure Hull Structure

Spherical shell structures are the most suitable shape for deep-sea pressure hulls because they have ideal mechanical properties handling symmetrical pressure. However, accuracy requirement a hull in spherical structure subjected to is extremely high. Even minor asymmetry can significantly degrade its properties. In this study, new type of and integral hydro-bulge-forming (IHBF) method proposed. First, 32 flat metal plate parts prepared welded along their straight sides form regular polygonally shaped box. Next, water applied inside preformed box create vessel. We performed forming experiment using vessel with design radius 250 mm as verification research object. The obtained from 249.32 mm, error 0.27%, roundness surface 2.36 mm. crushing analysis uniform external confirm buckling characteristics formed results show that work-hardening increased load vessel, above conventional structure. Additionally, it established local defects size weld line slightly affected hull, respectively.