An underwater airlock works by equalizing the pressure inside the chamber with the surrounding water pressure, allowing entry and exit without flooding.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Flooding the Chamber: The seawater valve is opened to flood the chamber.
- Pressure Equalization: As the chamber floods, the air in the chamber is compressed until its pressure is equal to the sea pressure.
- Stopping the Flood: When the pressure in the chamber is equalized with the sea pressure, the flooding of the chamber will stop. This creates an environment where the door to the outside can be opened without water rushing in.
Essentially, the airlock acts as a transition zone between the pressurized environment of a submarine or underwater habitat and the outside water pressure, allowing occupants to move between them safely.
