Mentor(s)

Mingxi Zhou, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island

Project Location

University of Rhode Island – Bay Campus

Project Description

Coastal water changes rapidly, needing heterogeneous observation platforms to reach the desired coverage (both temporally and spatially). Small scale processes, such as harmful algae bloom and shelf water intrusion, often starts at small scales at certain locations, which challenges the stationed buoy systems that are typically for coastal water monitoring. To this end, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) could potentially fill the observational gap and response to these rapid evolving processes. However, the current boat-based AUV operational scheme is less efficient because it is still weather dependent and boat demanding.

To address the above gap and response to the RT3 (Enabling Technologies through Improved Detection), this project will investigate the potential of enabling underwater resident capability for AUVs. With such capability, the AUVs could maintain persistent presence in the water and rapidly response to a potential anomalous processes predicted by the computational models. The technology development of this concept will differentiate RI NSF EPSCoR observation system from others, and can be exported into other coastal water observatories.

With the overarching goal of enabling the underwater resident capability for AUVs, the SURF project has two objectives. First, a prototype docking station will be built. The station will accommodate two small AUVs that is available in the PI’s lab. To assist AUV docking navigation, the station will have active light, camera, and artificial visual tags. For data offloading, high bandwidth (10mbps) optical underwater communication system is available. Second, the prototype docking station will be deployed in the acoustic tank on the Narragansett Bay Campus. And we will demonstrate AUV docking into the station via remote control. And the docking station will be deployed in different scenarios (landed, free floating or tilted) that could encounter in the field. The PI has current NSF grants to purchase materials for building the prototype.

SURF student tasks:
– Design the docking station.
– Fabricate parts using laser cutter, 3D printer and use commercial-off-the-shelf parts.
– Perform tank tests using AUVs available in the lab in collaboration with other lab members.

This project involves lab work

Required/Preferred skills

Required:
– CAD using Fusion360 or Solidworks
– Have done CAD design projects.
– Entry-level understanding of wiring and electronics.
– Familiar with machine shop tools, e.g., drills.

Preferred:
-Background on Mechatronics, e.g., motors, DC/DC regulators,
-Software knowledge about OpenCV will be a big bonus.

Will the project require transportation to field sites? No

Is this project open to Surf Flex? No

In which core facilities might student conduct research? None

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