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The choice to use steel rather than carbon fiber in submarines is influenced by several factors, and uniformity is one of them. However, it is not the sole reason for this preference.

Steel is a widely used material for submarines due to its advantageous properties. It possesses high strength, durability, and excellent resistance to pressure and impact. These qualities make steel suitable for withstanding the extreme conditions experienced in deep-sea environments. Submarines need to withstand significant water pressure as they dive to considerable depths, and steel provides the necessary structural integrity.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight and high-strength material that finds extensive use in various industries, including aerospace and automotive sectors. While carbon fiber offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, it has some limitations for submarine applications. One of the challenges with carbon fiber is its vulnerability to certain types of damage, such as impact damage or cracking. Submarines operate in demanding conditions and can encounter collisions, impacts, or contact with debris. Steel's uniformity and toughness allow it to withstand such incidents better than carbon fiber.

Additionally, the maintenance and repair of submarines play a crucial role in material selection. Steel is generally easier to repair and weld compared to carbon fiber, which requires specialized techniques and expertise. The availability of infrastructure and trained personnel for steel fabrication and repair further supports its continued use in submarine construction.

Therefore, while uniformity is a factor, the decision to use steel over carbon fiber in submarines is primarily driven by a combination of strength, durability, resistance to pressure, impact resistance, repairability, and the existing infrastructure and expertise related to steel construction and maintenance.