SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Sailing Saucer

Prof. B.N.Karkera

 Sailing Saucer (SS) is a fundamental invention in ocean engineering. The three tier structure and saucer like shape of SS shields it from the disturbances of the sea/ocean and provides land-like stability under all weather conditions. Thus, a SS System (SSS) is proposed for offshore mega harbor, cruise Island Township, research station, airport, nuclear/thermal power plants, battle station in national exclusive economic zone, vessels and many more spinoffs. The fundamental invention is by way of realizing multiple immunities to sea waves, ocean current and sea breeze. The first immunity, to sea waves, is due to absence of change in buoyancy volume. The remaining immunities, to ocean current and sea breeze, are due to its saucer shape. These features permit SSS to harvest bountiful renewable ocean wealth, while rejuvenating coastal water, as the subsidiary invention. 

Lower Deck with heavy equipments. Artificial Reefs to 200 m depth 3 km diameter Main Platform Buoyancy Gravity Columns & Elevator ShaftsAnnular Buoy in multi compartments for Immunity to Torpedoes Annular Upper Deck; 3 levels – Port Activities; Quarters & Terrace V 0.5m 4.5m 5+m 

A typical SSS shown is under consideration for possible deployment off Managalore coast and has one 3km diameter Main Platform ; thirty 0.3km diameter Sub-Harbours; and three thousand 30m diameter Fishing Vessels. They have whole lot of features listed above. Their saucer profile permits sail-ability in any direction equally well. Out of them, the first two needs tugging and only the Vessel is propel-able. It is steerable without rudder because of multiple propellers. The propellers are built within “Hollow Shaft Voltage-Frequency- Control Motors”; avoiding driveshaft and gearbox. It forms the Turbo-Propeller with swivel-ability and rigidity. 300 meter diameter Sub-Platforms Annular Upper Deck; 2 Levels – Port Activities & Terrace Lower Deck with heavy equipments. Central Fish Farm to 200m depth Annular Buoy in multi compartments for Immunity to Torpedoes Columns & Elevator Shafts Confidential for Privileged Audience 0.5m 4.5m 5+m Buoyancy Gravity 30 meter diameter Vessels Lower Deck with heavy equipments. Fish Traps up to 5 km all around Columns & Elevator Shafts Confidential for Privileged Audience Annular Upper Deck; 2 levels – Port Activities & Terrace Annular Buoy in multi compartments for Immunity to Torpedoes V 0.5m 4.5m 5+m Buoyancy Gravity. 

The author is Reactor Engineer, Adjunct Faculty at NIAS, Visiting Professor and the consultant to BRNS project on HLC at NITK, Research Directror, SCEM; was a BARC Senior Scientist for over 34 years, Deputy Director, CSIO/CSIR for 3.5 years, Faculty of Nuclear Engineering, Manipal University, consultant to DRDO on ‘BodyPhone’, member international /national Technical Boards for Super Conducting Tokomak of IPR and National Optical Telescope Project and holds several patents. Six of his projects were recognized through Prime Minister, President of India and awards at national / international levels. They include India’s first fast reactor PURNIMA-I, FBTR and DHRUVA Reactor, TAPS SRM/IRM System, LCA--HUD, LINAC and MC-PET Project for cancer care, and PHWR PT Gauging. He had promoted research-funding all around as an ATC Member, BRNS, BARC and is the recipient of Life Time Achievement Award form NITK Surathkal AAB.