Design and Build of a Device to Measure Resistance and Power of Model Submarines in the Submarines in Schools Technology Challenge

摘要

The objective of the Submarines in School Technology Challenge (Subs in Schools) is to stimulate Australian school students to pursue a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related career. It has an obvious connection and motivation to grow interest in industries being developed by the SEA1000 Future Submarine Program. One of the principal improvements envisioned to the program is the introduction of more real-world engineering tests into the competition including the measurement of the hull resistance and power. The work reported in this paper aims to enhance student learning experiences through developing a test rig to measure the hull resistance and required power. The instrumentation will be selected based on analytical results and computational simulations to determine the key design elements, e.g. motor requirements and the tension in the towing cables. Having these tests conducted during the competition will facilitate and encourage students engaging in relevant engineering theory to enable them to incorporate resistance and powering aspects more appropriately into their designs.