A Fluid-Metering Device for Measuring Dive Rate of a Vehicle Traveling in Water

Abstract

Three configurations of a small device using either incompressible or compressible fluids to indicate the dive speed of a vehicle descending in water are theoretically considered. The device is contained within or on the vehicle, and it consists of a case which houses the fluid, an orifice plate, springs, and a piston that is driven by the increasing water pressure. Equations of the motion are derived for general trajectories, and the resultant fluid pressures are calculated for constant dive rates. The configuration that uses an incompressible fluid appears to be of most practical value.