Recovery Aid Design

Project Summary

This project involved the design, analysis, and production of three 300lb recovery aids, used to free a sub-sea system that had failed to release from it's anchor mooring. This design was inspired by grapnel anchors, with the addition of sharp blades to cut the mooring. Steel was selected as the material to use due to its strength, and the assembly was galvanized post-welding for corrosion resistance. I calculated the maximum stress on the assembly using hand calculations and FEA, and determined weld sizes and material thicknesses accordingly. I calculated shear stresses and shear tear-out for the padeye connection point, and conducted load testing on the fabricated assemblies post-production. I also managed all material procurement and fabrication as well as assembly of the recovery aids. 

Implemented Skills

• CAD (PTC Creo)

• structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA in ANSYS

• weldment design and analysis

• drawing generation following GD&T standards

• material selection for sub-sea environment

• load testing

• shackle connection analysis

• design for manufacturing and assembly

• design for galvanizing