Can we still build a wooden submarine from 1620?
In short: In 1620, an underwater vessel allegedly traveled seven miles along a river. This video explores the engineering challenges of recreating this historical craft using modern materials science and structural engineering.
The project stems from 'Building The Impossible,' a series where experts attempt to manifest mythological or ancient designs into working machines. For this specific challenge, Dr. Caroline Baillie and Professor Chris Wise must reconstruct the first submarine based on limited historical accounts and sketches.
While basic underwater principles have remained constant since the 17th century, the team faces significant hurdles in making a primarily wooden vessel functional today. The goal is to determine if these early designs were practical engineering feats or merely impossible myths.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Reconstructing the World's First Submarine | Building The Impossible | BBC Earth Science
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/space-reconstructing-the-world-s-first-submarine-building-the-impo.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics
