Catalog Description

EN448: Autonomous Surface Vessel Fabrication and Evaluation (1-4-3).

In this course midshipmen will work as a team to complete the final design, fabricate, evaluate, and develop 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

1. Sail and Rig Detail Design
2. Structural design
3. Metal fabrication overview
4. Composites fabrication overview
5. Sail design and fabrication
6. Testing and Evaluation methodology -NA
7. Testing and Evaluation methodology -Systems

Laboratory Projects

1. Fabricate a 2-meter autonomous vessel.
2. Test, evaluate and improve the vessel.