Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Environmental Engineering
Session: 2
Irene Salazar - University of the Incarnate Word
Co-Author(s): Klaus Bartels, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas; Eben Pfeil, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas; Dominic Ochoa, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas; Julio Banda, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas; Cesar Ventura, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas
The research project developed a proof of concept remote-controlled unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) used for exploration and navigation in bodies of clear or turbid water. The Humminbird ONIX 10CI SI sonar and video camera were mounted to the vehicle to provide imaging feedback to the operator. An onboard temperature probe and leak detector monitors the electronics module to warn of possible heat or water damage while submerged. Arduino REV3 and Beaglebone Black microcontrollers control vehicle motion and provide imaging data. The UUV was tested in two spring fed bodies of water down to a depth of 20 feet and performed well overall. To produce a fully operational UUV, further research is needed to add improvements such as lights, a mechanical arm, higher resolution sonar, and increased depth range.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): Funding provided by a National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation grant - Award No.1305001
Faculty Advisor: Klaus Bartels, kbartels@alamo.edu
Role: Project Manager for electrical testing and mechanical design