[quote=Amizaur]
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by LoBlo
About Seawolf speed - yes, it can have much more powerfull reactor, but it is also much bigger than LA. And correct me if I'm wrong, it's not reactor that counts, it's first the steam turbines limit (this is reason that nuclear carriers had same max speed as conventional - they had different steam generators, one conventional, second nuclear, but the turbines were the same and had same output power...) and secondly how much power the propeller can transfer to the water... (but yes, IIRC the LA is rather reactor-limited, all other parts of chain being more capable).
|
yep,
In fact, I'm almost 100% certain that that's the origins of both the SW's quieting and its improved poweroutput of its S6W reactor over the older S6G reactor of the LA, I'ld garantee that the S6W has supplemented a traditional coolant loop cycle (like the S6G) with an additional natural circulation cooling loop providing a "silent" (i.e. no coolant pump needed) mode to 20 knots with activation of its traditional coolant pumps for full power. The combination of the two is what neccessitated the larger diameter hull and would also provided increased peak turbine flow (with the maximum flow volume of the steam turbine cycle dictated by the maxmum steam -> water cooling rate of the sub). The addition of a NC cycle, provides a "quiet mode" and boost the maximum steam flow rates at the same time.
At least that's my completely and utterly amateur theory anyway.
The SW, when compared to the Akula II, is smaller, lighter, has a more advanced propulsor, larger "powerplant" spacing, and I believe a improved peak output power. A 4-6 knot speed advantage is reasonable to me. (33 knots for the Akula II vs 38knots for the SW, or 35knots for the AkulaII vs 40knots for the SW).
btw, I'm not an expert by any means, but I did do some elementary fluid dynamics training in college. I could share some of the simple and basic stuff I remember if it would help and if anyones interested. Don't remember enough to give any hard calculations though.