EN447: Autonomous Surface Vessel Design
Catalog Description
EN447: Autonomous Surface Vessel Design (1-4-3).
In this course midshipmen will work as a team to learn and apply fundamentals of small craft design by performing the design of a small autonomous sail and solar powered surface vessel.
Textbook
Principles of Yacht Design, Larsson and Eliasson, 3 rd Edition, International Marine, 2007
Course Coordinator
Associate Professor P.Miller
Goals
1. Plan and execute a complex design project, integrating technical analysis and evaluation methods into the design and fabrication of a system (or component of a system).
2. Design, fabricate and test a system (or component of a system) using innovative materials and methods which are applicable to the project team’s goals.
3. Develop a schedule using a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart; analyze the schedule by comparing planned activities to actual progress.
4. Experiment with innovative design, fabrication and testing techniques and materials in order to show continuous improvement from a previous design.
5. Function effectively on a dynamic project team, with effectiveness being determined by instructor observation, peer ratings and self-assessment.
Prerequisites
ENA major or approval of department chair.
Class Topics
- Work Breakdown Structures
- Hull design theory for small craft (design spiral, evolution)
- Design tools; AutoCad, MaxSurf, VPP(Excel), SMSW6
- Velocity Prediction Programs: theory, strategy and design studies
- Autonomous vessel power, navigation and control systems
- Rudder and keel design
- Sail and rig design
Laboratory Projects
- Design a 2-meter autonomous vessel powered by sail and/or solar power.
- Learn fabrication techniques through improvements made to the previous year’s projects.
