DSV Alvin
A crewed research submersible that has carried deep-sea science since the 1960s.
Overview
Alvin is a research submersible that carries a crew. At depth the sole determinant of design is pressure: one atmosphere is added every ten metres, turning the hull into a pressure vessel more than a vehicle.
The crew sphere is spherical because that geometry carries pressure most efficiently. Volume inside is severely limited; the rest of the vehicle is given over to thrusters, manipulator arms and scientific equipment.
The case for crewed deep diving against remotely operated vehicles is the directness of scientific observation. The same argument runs through space exploration, and there are points on which both sides are right.
Details
- Brand
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Category
- Research Submersible
- Body
- Research submersible
- Propulsion
- elektrik
- Produced
- 1964–