EN448: Autonomous Vessel Fabrication & Evaluation

Catalog Description

EN448: Autonomous Vessel Fabrication & Evaluation (1-4-3)

This course provides additional exposure to the revolutionary world of unmanned/autonomous systems, including unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).  As a project-based course, midshipmen will apply the best practices of naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering, and systems engineering to fabricate, outfit, test, and operate a next-generation USV capable of transiting the Atlantic Ocean in a fully autonomous manner.

Textbook

• Principles of Yacht Design, Fourth Edition (Larsson, Eliasson, and Orych, 2014)
• The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction (Gougeon, 2005)
• Fiberglass Boat Design and Construction (Scott, 1996)
• Composite Materials in Maritime Structures, Volume I/II (Shenoi and Wellicome, 2008)
• Theory of Wing Sections (Abbott and Von Doenhoff, 1959)

Goals

1. Understand traditional ship/submarine design practices, technology development processes/procedures, and the role of innovation in unmanned system design.
2. Develop a greater understanding of fundamental naval architecture principles, including hull-form design, hydrostatics, stability, keel/rudder design, sail/rig design, resistance, propulsion, and seakeeping performance.
3. Apply fundamental engineering principles to fabricate and outfit/integrate a fully autonomous USV.
4. Develop a greater understanding of composite material properties, fabrication methods, and performance characteristics.
5. Develop greater proficiency with computer-aided engineering (CAE), associated analytical processes, and formal test plans/procedures.
6. Understand modern concepts for unmanned systems, including basic autonomy, control algorithms, sensor functionality, autonomous navigation, machine learning, and various ethical considerations.
7. Develop a greater understanding of naval warfare concepts/policies, including the emerging role of unmanned/autonomous systems.
8. Improve technical writing, verbal presentation, and general communication skills (including literature review practices).

Prerequisites

ENM/ENMH Major OR Approval of Department Chair

Class Topics

1. Technology Development, Innovation in Ship Design, and Autonomous System Design
2. Project Management and Project Budgeting
3. Material/Resource Management
4. Material Selection, Fabrication Tools/Processes, and Composite Material Concepts
5. Hull Construction and Rig Construction
6. Hull Outfitting and Systems Integration
7. Test Plan/Procedure Development and Execution
8. Operational Evaluation (Field Testing) and In-Situ Troubleshooting Techniques
9. Autonomous Navigation and Machine Learning
10. Technology Policy and Ethics of Autonomous Systems

Laboratory Projects

1. Design Analysis and Material/Resource Preparation (Including Mold Preparation)
2. Composite Fabrication
3. USV Fabrication (Unique Hull Design and MaxiMOOP)
4. Hull Outfitting and Systems Integration
5. USV Testing, Improvement, and Finalization