Technology and Operations
This forum is for discussing technological & operational matters pertaining to U-boats.
Re: Pressure hull construction - VIIC boats
Posted by:
ROBERT M.
()
Date: November 10, 2002 03:19PM
Joe:
My question to you about galvanized sheet steel used on the pressure hull arises
from the following excerpt from "Type VII U-boats" by Robert C. Stern, published by
Brockhampton Press - London in 1998: "On a Type VIIC, the pressure hull was a structure of circular cross-section, 4.7metres in diameter at its widest. It was constructed of rolled galvanized sheet steel ranging in thickness from 1.6cm at the
bow and stern to 1.85cm at the pressure hull's widest point." (Top of page 31)
Thanks for the prompt response, Joe. I'm certainly aware off the toxic fumes generated when welding galvanized steel, as I stood many "fire-watches" in U.S. shipyards during my naval career. The use of charcoal-filtered breathing air has
become mandatory for welders engaged in this work.
The galvanized steel upper decks on USS WILLARD KEITH (DD-775) were a bitch to keep painted. We tried "pickling" the surface with citric acid after wirebrushing. but that didn't help very much. Aluminim would've been the ideal metal, but most
of that stock went to the aircraft builders.
Regards,
ROBERT M.
My question to you about galvanized sheet steel used on the pressure hull arises
from the following excerpt from "Type VII U-boats" by Robert C. Stern, published by
Brockhampton Press - London in 1998: "On a Type VIIC, the pressure hull was a structure of circular cross-section, 4.7metres in diameter at its widest. It was constructed of rolled galvanized sheet steel ranging in thickness from 1.6cm at the
bow and stern to 1.85cm at the pressure hull's widest point." (Top of page 31)
Thanks for the prompt response, Joe. I'm certainly aware off the toxic fumes generated when welding galvanized steel, as I stood many "fire-watches" in U.S. shipyards during my naval career. The use of charcoal-filtered breathing air has
become mandatory for welders engaged in this work.
The galvanized steel upper decks on USS WILLARD KEITH (DD-775) were a bitch to keep painted. We tried "pickling" the surface with citric acid after wirebrushing. but that didn't help very much. Aluminim would've been the ideal metal, but most
of that stock went to the aircraft builders.
Regards,
ROBERT M.