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by Anon on March 30th, 2007

Anon

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What does it feel like to fully underwater in a submarine?

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Answers. 3 helpful answers below.

  • by The Chief on October 18th, 2009

    The Chief

    Well, as a retired submariner, I think I can answer this!

    First of all, there is no pressure change associated with submarine operations like the two previous answers have mentioned.

    When you board a submarine and close the hatches to get underway, that's it...the atmospheric pressure inside is the same as the pressure outside.

    There are certain evolutions which change the air pressure, like the use of air systems on the ship. As air is used from high pressure sources, the internal atmospheric pressure rises slowely. But you never notice this as it's usually minor, and in any event very slow.

    And, as the air bank pressures go down, the ship has high pressure air compressors which are used to pack the air back into the air banks. Which brings atmospheric pressure back down.

    There are other evolutions, but the only one which produces a noticable change in air pressure is when the ship is a PD (Periscope Depth) and they raise the snorkel mast to "equalize ship's pressure" with the outside air. This may cause a noticable change in air pressure.

    Or if they screw up snorkel operations when running the diesel. That can be painful!

    Other than that, normal operations while submerged are very smooth. You likely will not even notice any rocking unless coming to PD when the seas are not calm

    In heavy sea states, you can feel the motion even 400 feet down. If it's bad enough, the sub will just go deeper for calmer waters.

    Most changes in depth are intentionally made with a slight up or down angle to purposefully let people know the ship is changing depths, because this cues them in on what's happening and what to expect.

    Other than this, it's really just like being inside a closed building with very little room and no windows which occasionally tilts slightly up or down, or side to side.

    In heavy sea states, the rocking motion can be pretty severe, especially on the surface. Nuclear subs are designed with a round hull, which is very hydrodynamimcally efficient under water, but somewhat less than stable on the surface, where a "V" shaped hull is far more stable.

    And then there are "angles and dangles", where a submarine intentionally takes 20+ degree up and down angles to remove air from the ship's superstructure, verify ships stowage for see (things shouldn't go flying), and detect any loose equipment which could rattle and make noise.

    If you want a humorous look at what it's like to be on a submarine (and not entirely fictional, either) go here:

    http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/docs/simlife.htm

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  • by Norman_Outside the lines on April 12th, 2007

    Norman_Outside the lines

    other than a pressure change.. nothing physically
    mentally, if your closterphobic...Like a 10 ton ceiling and walls are closing in on you, like there is NO AIR, like you need to get out and NOW !!!of course to any one else.. pretty cool to think you are under water.)

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  • by brainyass on April 12th, 2007

    brainyass

    Since it's pressurized, your ears may pop like if you're in an airplane.

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