Weekly Progress Reports (see sidebar), the Gantt chart, and this Project Management page should be printed out before meetings with the sponsor and instructor. (per Dr. T no need to print them out)
All team members should be able to explain all items on the progress report.
Place a "*" at the beginning of the title of the active week Progress Report (see * in sidebar).
Project Objectives
Concisely list and prioritize the project objectives and constraints
High Priority Objectives
Small, less than 20 cm in length
Quiet, will not disturb wildlife being studied (i.e. low hydrodynamic impact)
Integrated visual tracking system
780p video camera
Simple controls to allow for a set trajectory path
Good documentation and pictures
Low cost
Open source basis
Second Priority Objectives
Able to track and follow a dynamic target
Wi-fi enabled to transmit data or commands wirelessly when surfaced
Modular design, allow for a variation of sensors
Other Constraints and Issues
Size of the components will limit the size of the AUV
Power consumption may limit the operational time
Underwater system could cause issues with pressure and leaks
Standard, off-the-shelf components are desirable
WOW Design Solution
The sponsor would like to have a very small AUV with a 1080p camera capable of tracking and following an underwater target without disturbing its behavior. This system could be used as an outreach tool to high school students in order to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. His final design hopes are for an open source device which can be added on by its user, whether it be an inexperienced high school student or a Scripps researcher.
Risk Reduction Strategy
Our risk reduction will primarily focus on proving a viable propulsion mechanism, with a secondary focus on identifying additional hardware for the system as a whole.
Select propulsion mechanism (highest risk area)
Research: noise, size, weight, underwater functionality, and power of actuators
Model: speed, power, and maneuverability of design
Build: simplified large-scale hardware
Select controller/sensors (medium risk)
Research: size, weight, and ability
Model: power consumption, weight, and size of proposed system
Intermediate Milestones
Risk reduction (Individual Component Analysis Topics)
Finalize design solution
Select drive
Select power supply
Finalize initial onboard sensors
Confirm details through numerical analysis
Examine drag, buoyancy, and pressure forces
Heat transfer considerations, i.e. heat sink
Digitally model design
Create CAD model
Create BOM
Create schematic
Build physical prototype
Build propulsion system
Build electronics housing
Implement controls/wireless system
Code, test, and tune tracking system
Implement at-surface communication system
Redesign as needed
Finalize result
Create documentation and final data package illustrating all aspects of the design