Hull design and fabrication of human powered submersible using triaxial woven basalt

Since 1989, the human powered International Submarine Race has been held biennially. Florida Atlantic University (FAU), hosting the first, has competed in every race using essentially the same submarine. As of now, FAU does not hold the world record for fastest human powered submarine. In an effort to change this, we would need to utilize every advantage possible in the construction of a new submarine. We chose to use a material rather than traditional fiberglass or carbon fiber for the hull. After seemingly endless research, we decided basalt was the answer to our needs. We collaborated with the CEO of Research Alternative Ways (RAW) Energy Materials Corperation, who provided us triaxial woven basalt. This material has allowed us to fabricate an ultra light and non-corrosive hull while still maintaining the strength and rigidity which can only otherwise be achieved by the combination of multiple expensive fabrics. Woven basalt is currently used in wind turbine blades and concrete structures in place of rebar, not only is this material less expensive than rebar and carbon fiber, but in most cases it will outperform them as well. The woven basalt fibers have properties similar to a blend of Kevlar, E-glass, and carbon fiber. Basalt has never been used in this type of application, and thus far it has exceeded all of our expectations in testing.