Can I set the bouyancy of my submarine to neutral first and dive/surface only using thrusters alone?

Question

I'm a mechanical engineering student from sri lanka. As my final year project we are designing an underwater exploration vessel.

Answer 1

Absolutely. However, you should keep in mind that your "neutral" bouyancy will change as you change your dive depth. This is especially true if you are using some kind of pouch to achieve neutral bouyancy. The density and pressure of the water will change with depth and temperature, so if you are not moving (not moving forward) it would be very difficult to stay in one position without rising or sinking unless you are point your submarine straight up and down (not recommended).

Ideally you should be able to get the submarine nearly neutral and then use a small controller to actuate a pouch or someother bouyancy control device.

Answer 2

yes forward velocity may be translated into depth control by the use of diving planes and/or thrust vectors