STRAIN GAUGE-BASED FORCE SENSORS
ENSURE SUBMARINE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE

During the research and development and construction phases of submarine manufacturing, strain gauge-based sensors are critical tools. These sensors are strategically installed in high-stress areas such as:

• The pressure hull, which must withstand immense hydrostatic pressures.
• Weld joints, where thermal effects and mechanical loads are concentrated.

These components are subjected to rigorous testing that simulates deep-sea pressure conditions and thermal loads generated during welding and fabrication. By collecting accurate force and strain data, engineers can:

• Validate design assumptions and finite element models.
• Detect structural weaknesses or material inconsistencies early.
• Optimize designs for safety and efficiency before sea trials.

This early-stage insight helps avoid costly redesigns or catastrophic failures later in the production process.

Once a submarine is in service, real-time structural monitoring becomes essential. Strain gauge-based force sensors continue to play a critical role by capturing:

• The effects of changing water pressure on the hull during dives and ascents.
• Forces acting on moving parts like rudders, dive planes, and propeller shafts.
• Stress responses during high-speed manoeuvres or extreme depth operations.

These measurements not only enhance operational safety but also support predictive maintenance by tracking component fatigue and wear over time. This proactive approach helps operators plan maintenance schedules, extend service life, and reduce unplanned downtime.

The marine environment presents unique engineering challenges - extreme pressures, corrosive saltwater exposure, and limited installation space demand robust and highly tailored sensing solutions.

HITEC leads the way in providing custom-engineered strain gauge force sensors for submarine and marine applications. Our sensors are:

• Designed to operate reliably in high-pressure and high-vibration environments.
• Built to fit within tight spatial constraints.
• Supported by our advanced transducerization capabilities, allowing us to convert raw sensor data into usable signals for integration with your control systems.

Whether you require submersible force sensors for new builds or retrofit solutions for legacy vessels, HITEC delivers performance you can trust.

At HITEC, we understand the complexities of force measurement in submarine manufacturing and operations. Our custom sensor solutions provide the insights needed to ensure safety, longevity, and mission success.

Looking for a sensor that meets your specific requirements? Contact us today to explore how HITEC’s expert team can design a force measurement solution precisely suited to your project.