Section 400: Tuesday/Thursday 8:00AM-9:30AM 107 EPB (Subject to change)

A WHOLE SYSTEM, UNDERWATER VEHICLE DESIGN
Laura Alford/Tom Bowden

This course introduces students to practical marine-system engineering processes through the design, building, testing and operation of simple underwater exploration vehicles. It should be of interest to those considering careers in ship and yacht design, as well as all who are fascinated by explorations of the undersea world through both manned and unmanned submersibles. We will analyze recent footage of the Titanic, discuss science operations by Jason, and consider the use of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to explore the oceans of Jupiter's ice-covered moon Europa, all in the context of learning engineering design practices for marine systems and vehicles.

Students will design and build a near-neutrally buoyant aquatic observing station and a remotely-operated underwater vehicle (ROV). They will be exposed to multiple disciplines in both engineering and the sciences including Marine, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, and Materials Engineering, Physical Oceanography, and Physics of Fluids. The class involves hands-on experiences covering nearly all aspects of a real mission including concept proposal, design fabrication, test, operations, analysis, documentation, and presentation of results. There will be individual training on fundamental diagnostic instruments, sensors, and computers tools. Specific experiments include multi-meters, power supplies, temperature and pressure sensors, thermal-vacuum testing, endurance and survivability testing, data acquisition, and remotely controlled components. This section emphasizes development of individual hands-on skills, oral and written communication and working effectively in a team environment. Please note that this is an intensive course involving a laboratory and a minimum of 6 contact hours per week.

There will be two Saturday events or "competitions" where students display their marine vehicles. The first event will be in February. The second event will be in April where the vehicles will compete in the West Hall tow tank. Both events will include oral presentations followed by team competitions. A mid-term examination is also scheduled in February. Any student registering for this class must participate in these three activities.

Further, during the week preceding the two competitions there will be optional lab time during the evening so that teams can finish their hardware and documentation. Each team will also need to schedule a practice oral presentation on either the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evening before the Saturday events (plan on 1 hour out of the period 5-9pm). This scheduling will be done in class.

Upon completion of the design and final presentation, it is anticipated that the vehicles will be demonstrated to local science programs at the K-12 level to enhance interest and understanding of the importance of marine engineering in exploring our world oceans.