University of Michigan College of Engineering Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering ENGINEERING for the MARINE ENVIRONMENT

The Foundation for Underwater Research and Education organized this international competition with three primary objectives:
(1) foster advances in subsea vehicle hydrodynamic, propulsion and life support support systems;
(2) inspire students of the various engineering disciplines to delve into the broad area of underwater technology advancement, and
(3) increase public awareness of the challenges people face working in and exploring the ocean depths.

The Human Powered Sub Team held their first general meeting January 31, 1997. There were about 19 interested students, six of whom were from other departments. The team was led by NA&ME senior student Russ Truemner, and groups of students were assigned to work on various aspects of the submarine. They were advised by Professor Guy Meadows. During the next months, many hours were spent developing the submarine and enlisting sponsors. The hull, fins, and propeller were ultimately donated by sponsors. All team mambers had to attend classes to become certified divers, and one attended a workshop titled "Engineering Aspects of Human Powered Submarine Design," presented by the competition organizers.

On June 21, 1997, our 14-foot, acrylic and plastic two-man submarine, dubbed Sea Wolv, set off to compete against 27 other human powered submarines from three different countries. Results of the competition and highligths are coming soon.