MAIN SEA SUCTION AND DISCHARGE QUESTION

[bill rogers]

This photo of a Ben Franklin class boat on dock shows the main sea suction and discharge above the hardhats. I think the suction is the higher opening with a grate. This would mean the lower group of 6 smaller openings must be the discharge. Is this correct, and if so, why the 6 smaller openings? Also, any guesses as to where the water is coming from?

[PaulC]

Bill,

I don't see the image.

Bill,

I don't see the image. But would love to.

DOH! Now it's up. Very cool shot. The upper one looks a lot like the grate offered in Jeff LaRue's PE set.

The lower looks like a single grate with multiple smaller openings rather than smaller individual openings -- if that makes sense.

[bill rogers]

David Merriman gave me the

David Merriman gave me the following answer as to why the 6 openings on the main sea water discharge:

"The MSW condenser discharge disgorges relatively 'hot' (thermally, not nuclear) water -- stuff that leaves a significant IR signature. Soviet satellites are one means of scanning our patrol areas looking for IR 'anomalies'. Bad Ju-Ju!

The many holes at the single MSW discharge (there are two, one each side) are intended to get the hot water mixed in with the ambient 'cold' water as quickly as possible to negate the sharp IR image that would result if the water was discharged in one big stream -- pretty much like how the F-117 exhaust is quickly mixed with the ambient air to attenuate its IR signature.

David,"

Thanks David

[PaulC]

Cool, Bill! Very interesting info.

Cool, Bill! Very interesting info.