Testing Procedure

Ultimately, the goal of the Capstone Design Project is to complete the design brief, which is to essentially to construct a functioning ROV. In the end, the ROV should be able to achieve basic functions such as maneuvering along an X-Y-Z plane, as well as manipulating objects and making observations. Specifically regarding the vehicle structure system, the ROV needs to meet standards as listed in the specifications, such as being neutrally buoyant or being able to maneuver through the 80cm X 80cm tunnel. The thrusters will be tested on the basis of ability to move water effectively. Additionally it must be able to be controlled effectively. The manipulator must be able to manipulate the pin, Agar, and the crustaceans. Essentially, each component should be tested before the competition to work out the kinks.

Exploratory Testing:

Before moving too far into the project, the mission team needs to use his pre-existing knowledge as well as research to ensure that what has been conceptualized has a possibility to work. This is probably the most important part of the testing period, as the outcome of the test results in the future of the project. During this period, it is essential that the mission team is completely cooperative. Additionally, they must be in constant communication in order to update each other on their developmental progress. Furthermore, the engineers of each system should be in contact with their mentors in order to receive feedback on their design. Ultimately, the knowledge from the mentor and group members which help to settle the basis for each design leads to a conclusive result.

Assessment Testing:

Moving past the developmental work of drawing, the engineer is starting to model the production product. This is the first time the engineer would be able to fully comprehend the design. Through modeling, the engineer should use materials that are similar if not identical to the final solution. In the case of the ROV, the layout should be understood from the design. In some cases, this testing procedure may need to be reevaluated in order to make a complete judgment call.

Validation Testing:

In the final stage of the project, this will essentially be the concluding test, otherwise known as the competition. It will validate whether or not is performed up to the standards spelled out or expected. After much design and prototyping, most if not all the kinks should have been worked out. The ROV at this point should be able to work as a full system.

Testing Procedure (Team)

1. Find an area that is comfortable and clear of potential hazards.

2. Unpackage and inspect the system: vehicle, control console, tether and reel, spares/tool kit, monitor.

4. Complete the dry land pre-dive inspection (check the thrusters, tether, control system, manipulator, tool, structure).

5. Deploy the ROV for testing.

6. Test the horizontal propulsion for forward, backwards, left then right to ensure that the thrusters operates correctly.

7. Test the vertical propulsion to ensure that the vertical thrusters operate correctly.

8. Test the ballast.

10. Test the cameras and/or tools.

11. Test the manipulator.

12. Post-dive inspection.

13. Rinse and wipe ROV.

14. Store ROV.

Testing Procedure (Individual)

1. Attach the thrusters, camera and/or tools, and manipulator to determine if the vehicle can hold all the components.

2. Identify if the structure meets all the specifications and limitations.

-Is the ROV able to be transported by the mission team?

-Is it a flexible, stable platform?

-Propellers clear of obstruction?

-No hazardous materials?

3. Pre-dive inspection.

4. Deploy the ROV.

5. Post-dive inspection

Remotely Operated Vehicle Observation Sheet

Exploratory Testing:

1. Is the ROV design conducive to the fresh, chlorinate water environment?

Yes     No

2. Is the ROV design able to enter and maneuver through a tunnel 80 cm x 80 cm?

Yes     No

3. Is the ROV design able to be transported by the mission team?

Yes     No

4. Is the ROV design stable?

Yes     No

5. Is the ROV design neutrally buoyant?

Yes     No

6. Are the propellers clear of obstruction?

Yes     No

Assessment Testing:

1. From initial observations of the model, does the ROV design meet the specifications?

Yes     No

2. Does initial handling of the model give a sense of durability?

Yes     No       If no, provide suggestions to improve the design. ________________

3. Will it be possible to successfully seal the housing?

Yes     No

4. Are the skids securely attached to the housing?

Yes     No

5. Does the layout provide room to attach the thrusters, thermometer, hydrophone, and claw?

Yes     No