Fundamentally, all submarines operate based on Archimedes’ Principle, a concept likely familiar from school. As an object sinks, it experiences a buoyant force equivalent to the weight of the fluid displaced due to this object’s sinking. When a submarine’s weight matches that of the water it displaces, it achieves a level of neutral buoyancy. Allowing it to maintain a constant depth.
When the objective is to submerge, the gravitational force applied must exceed the buoyant force, prompting the use of Ballast Tanks. Typically, these two tanks are located at the submarine’s ends, they are filled with air at the surface, enabling the vessel to float. To descend into the water, these ballast tanks are flooded with water, increasing the submarine’s weight and initiating the descent.
Such scenarios are labelled to have negative buoyancy. It indicates the control of a submarine’s depth by adjusting the water level in its ballast tanks. This mechanism governs vertical movement for ascending and descending. For lateral movement, such as turning sideways in the water, a Rudder is employed. It is known as a Vertical Rudder. This facilitates horizontal movement in the water. Similar rudders are used in boats, ships, and aircraft.
Additionally, forward and backward motion is achieved through the use of a propeller, essentially a fan. While navigating underwater, a reliable means of orientation is essential. Sonar Technology serves this purpose. It operates based on sound.
