Seaworthiness of an Autonomous Vessel: An Investigation of Viscous Effects on a SWATH in Roll-Inducing Waves

Andrew Arnold & Ian Cho

A SWATH geometry has been designed to serve as the hull of an autonomous vessel. It must have an appropriately limited roll response for the wave profile it will encounter in order to satisfy its mission. Our thesis tests this hull design in its must unfavorable roll condition, with beam seas exciting a response over a range of encounter frequencies. The vessel is tested at zero forward speed in both Webb’s Robinson Model Basin and the CFD program STAR-CCM+. In our experimentation, the vessel is free to move within six degrees of freedom so that measured responses are coupled and more accurately represent reality. The response equation is determined through these two methods and the results are compared and interpreted.

Testing of a Ducted Propeller with Varied Nozzle Geometry

Alexander Bashkoff & Tim Siepmann

This thesis consists of building a structural modification for the existing Webb Propeller Boat to allow for a nozzle to be supported around a propeller. We will verify our model by using a duct and propeller that MARIN previously tested, and then we will vary the size of the nozzle keeping the same Kaplan propeller to test for thrust efficiency. The structure is primarily aluminum, and the nozzles and propeller will be 3D-printed.

Modeling a Hydrogen-based, Renewable Energy Storage System in MATLAB and Simulink

Spenser Boyd

Renewable energy is becoming more common, but challenges exist in enabling renewables to become widespread and cost effective. Effective grid energy storage can relieve some of the challenges facing variable renewables and strengthen the grid as a whole. This thesis will design a hybrid hydrogen storage system and attempt to prove its feasibility through computer simulation and analysis in MATLAB/Simulink. The system will be modeled with realistic parameters, simulated under realistic operating conditions, and its performance evaluated. Additionally, a brief economic analysis will be performed to evaluate the feasibility of system implementation relative to other grid energy storage solutions. Read more…