Seawolf Race Team Hernando County Public Schools Central High School F.W. Springstead High School

Purpose This program was initiated to allow high school students to learn the concept of a design/build process. This program was initiated to allow high school students to learn the concept of a design/build process. Students participate in a hands-on engineering experience that will teach them to conceptualize as well as create and adapt. Students participate in a hands-on engineering experience that will teach them to conceptualize as well as create and adapt.

Purpose Students benefit greatly from the opportunity to meet with the professors and professionals in the engineering field. Students benefit greatly from the opportunity to meet with the professors and professionals in the engineering field. In addition, the chance to meet other students from college engineering programs gives them the chance to consider post-secondary school options. In addition, the chance to meet other students from college engineering programs gives them the chance to consider post-secondary school options.

Existing Equipment Seawolf’s hull was designed and built for the 2007 races. Seawolf’s hull was designed and built for the 2007 races. The epoxy composite hull was built using a female mold creating two half hulls which were joined to form the submarine The epoxy composite hull was built using a female mold creating two half hulls which were joined to form the submarine

Problems Vision Vision Obstruction of leg movement Obstruction of leg movement Inaccessible controls Inaccessible controls Propeller detachment Propeller detachment Over-sensitive control system Over-sensitive control system Diver’s unable to see pilot’s face Diver’s unable to see pilot’s face

Vision Removed camera system Removed camera system Cut hole in roof and inserted Plexiglass dome Cut hole in roof and inserted Plexiglass dome

Obstruction of Leg Movement Elevation of the driver to improve vision caused legs to collide with the drive train Elevation of the driver to improve vision caused legs to collide with the drive train Drive train was rotated so that the shaft was translated up Drive train was rotated so that the shaft was translated up Movement of the drive train will allow for compensation for additional drag due to altered vision system Movement of the drive train will allow for compensation for additional drag due to altered vision system

Adjustable thrust angle to compensate for additional drag Adjustable thrust angle to compensate for additional drag

Fins and Control Mechanism There are four fins which have a steel frame with a bondo coating to set shape. There are four fins which have a steel frame with a bondo coating to set shape. The rudder and elevators are single action and have two fins acting together. The rudder and elevators are single action and have two fins acting together.

Old Control Mechanism Old control mechanism was difficult to access Old control mechanism was difficult to access

New Control Mechanism

Differing Cable Length

Control Surfaces Stabilizing surfaces added Stabilizing surfaces added Controls surfaces track when unattended Controls surfaces track when unattended Control area reduced to fit modified race style Control area reduced to fit modified race style

Stabilizing Fins Added horizontal and vertical stabilizers Added horizontal and vertical stabilizers

Propeller Design Pinned props Pinned props Recalculated pitch angles based on Java prop and our own prop program Recalculated pitch angles based on Java prop and our own prop program

Emergency Buoy Spring-release deadman Spring-release deadman Necessitates constant pressure to prevent release Necessitates constant pressure to prevent release

Safety and Support New securely-attached spare air New securely-attached spare air Redesigned deadman system Redesigned deadman system Locking seat mechanism Locking seat mechanism

Vision Vision Diver’s unable to see pilot’s face Diver’s unable to see pilot’s face Obstruction of leg movement Obstruction of leg movement Inaccessible controls Inaccessible controls Propeller detachment Propeller detachment Over-sensitive control system Over-sensitive control system Problems Solved

Testing – Weeki Wachee Spring Tests performed in shallow waters (4 - 7) Tests performed in shallow waters (4 - 7) Allowed for experimental optimization of design Allowed for experimental optimization of design Dive experience and safety procedures Dive experience and safety procedures

Fund Raising Seawolf partnered with Weeki Wachee Springs in order to obtain publicity to attract sponsorship Seawolf partnered with Weeki Wachee Springs in order to obtain publicity to attract sponsorship Most of Seawolf’s financial support has come from local small businesses and personal contributions and the Hernando county school board Most of Seawolf’s financial support has come from local small businesses and personal contributions and the Hernando county school board