Abstract
The hull of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is one of the main
factors that determine its overall compressibility and drag. The hull as
well, acting as a pressure vessel, is the most essential part that will
allow the vehicle to accomplish deep diving. In order to minimize the
total weight and volume of the vehicle, many modern vehicles benefit
from composite materials rather than conventional materials. Moisture
absorption, known as the hygral effect, has a significant impact on the
mechanical properties of the material. Not to mention it also has an
effect on the buoyancy of the vehicle, since the overall weight changes.
This paper characterizes the seawater absorption and diffusivity of
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy (CFRE) pressure hull samples in ambient
conditions at sea level and at 1000m depth. The tests were performed
using seawater taken from Oslo fjord in Norway and using a pressure
vessel. Twelve specimens, all manufactured from CFRE using filament
winding technique, were tested in both conditions, and the moisture
absorption curve is compared. Periodic gravimetric measurements were
taken, where the equilibrium state was reached after approximately 65
days at sea level and after 35 days at 1000m depth. The results showed
that moisture diffusivity for composites used in underwater applications
should be defined by both pressure and temperature since it changes with
respect to submersion depth.