Testing Procedures

Expectations:

There will be a number of different aspects of the underwater ROV that will be tested before competing in the MATES competition. The testing procedures will be done at the Monmouth University swimming pool located on campus in the gymnasium. The ROV structure will be expected to support the weight of every object that will be mounted to it. The ROV propulsion will be expected to move the ROV in all directions, with and without added weight. The following testing procedures are specifically for the structure and the propulsion of the underwater ROV.

The picture above is the Monmouth University Swimming Pool
(Photo taken by me and my teammate)

Set-up

1. Assemble structure if necessary


2. Mount the propellers, robotic arm, video cameras, ect. to the structure


3. Attach tether to the ROV
   

Structure Testing Procedures

1. Add ten pounds to structure to make sure it is supportive.


2. Lift the ROV with two people to make sure it can be lowered into the water without a mechanical aid.


3. Put into water for buoyancy check. The ROV should have slight, positive buoyancy. This means that it will stay submerge to about 3 feet and then stay afloat there. If the ROV fails to submerge to 3 feet, then weight will need to be added to the ROV. If, on the other hand, the ROV sinks too deep, then a positively buoyant substance will need to be added to the ROV.
   

Propulsion Testing Procedures:

1. Move the ROV forward. Observe whether the ROV falls off to the right or the left.


2. Move the ROV in reverse. Observe whether the ROV falls off to the right or the left


3. Have ROV turn right


4. Have ROV turn left


5. Have ROV submerge all the way to bottom of swimming pool.


6. Have ROV surface from the bottom of the swimming pool.


7. Have ROV submerge to bottom again. This time pick up a 10 pound object from the pool floor.


8. Have the ROV surface from the bottom, while holding the 10 pounds object.