156B Week 4

Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.

• • We are still working on the intricacies of our 2 main design ideas

  • Will test how much force is needed to cut algae later this week

  • Will also try to get a working prototype this week

  • We now know the specific types of algae our sampler will need to cut

Accomplishments from Previous Week

• • Met with sponsors Chuck and Kara on April 13

    • Looked at pre-existing sediment samplers

    • Discussed the two main designs

    • Collected algae in Del Mar for testing

  • Got a lab work space in EBUII B35

  • Discussed designs with Ian, Tom, and Greg

  • Finished Impact on Society section of report

Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.

• • Purchase parts: cords, blades, music wire (Tanima)

  • Test how much force it takes to cut algae samples (all)

  • Finish CAD's of designs (Joseph and Bridget)

  • Send Kara email on additional algae specie names and to send CAD drawings (Bridget)

  • Finish initial prototype of our design (All)

  • Proof of Concept Presentation (All)

  • Research Float Switch - Idea from Greg (David)

  • Finish Applicable Standards Section of Report (David)

  • Research Ian's design ideas (Tanima)

Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)

• • Meeting with Chuck and Kara on 4/13:

    • Ideal sample dimensions: About 5" diameter vessel with length of 30 cm with the quadrant % coverage being about 49 one inch sections

    • Kara described the different types of algae we are likely to encounter. She described that non of the samples would be woody:

      • Enteromorpha is the most common

      • Ronda fora: mixed with enteromorpha; has the consistency of clumps of hair

      • Klonda fora

      • Gracilaria: really common in sub-tidal zones

      • Dried Rubia: more dense thing we would be likely to cut

    • Chuck suggested having a weight to lower sampler since rod maneuvering could be problematic

    • For simple and fact collection, Chuck suggested having the collection done in a PVC pipe with holes and fine netting on the exterior to drain the water and simply have the leftover sample

    • LED lights on sampler for camera visualization

    • Chuck & Kara need budget forms to allocate funds to their department

    • Send them CAD and drawings to indicate where we're at in the design process

    • Chuck liked music wire idea more but was unsure of how fast and efficiently we would be able to cut it

    • Chuck and Kara requested we have removable bags that can fit onto our sampler so that after taking one sample, they can remove the bag and refill the sampler with another. This allows for a quicker sampling process since they have to take 50+ samples at the sampling site and so they won't have to remove the algae from the sampler after each sample.

Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments  (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)

• • Dr. T and Pedro recommended  incorporating a ratchet type mechanism instead of a trigger for our sampler (4/11)

    • Worked out a new design idea that doesn't incorporate a trigger

  • Also recommended testing how hard algae is to cut to know what blades to buy (4/11)

    • Got samples from Del Mar Lagoon - will test this week

  • Meeting with Ian on April 15:

    • When discussing sampler cutting mechanisms, he suggested two more mechanisms:

      • Two rotating fan blades sitting on top of each other: the blades would align for sample collection and then one blade would rotate to close off opening and trap the sample components

      • Rotating blades: blades would be vertical in same plane; for sample collection would rotate to a position "into and out of" the page and then go back to start position to close off sample

Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)

• • NA

Risks and Areas of Concern

• • We need to perform a risk reduction test with the music wire and see if it can cut the most dense algae (similar to seaweed we see at the ocean)

Resources or Information Required but not Available

• • NA

Schedule

• • Team Meeting (4/17)

  • Buy Materials (4/17)

  • Cutting force test (4/19)

  • Start Prototype (4/20)

Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)

• • Spent: $45.80

  • Remaining: $2554.20

Progress on Report and Webpage

• • Added Impact on Society Section to Report