Teams

The Drivetrain subteam designs and manufactures the propulsion mechanism of the submarine. They efficiently convert the pilot’s pedaling motion to power a propellor or a non-propellor system (like a fish tail, for instance), developing both computer-aided design and machining skills.

This year, they are creating a fish-like tail to propel the submarine. After discussing and researching methods for obtaining the desired motion, they model their design on Soliworks. They are working on a variable frequency tail by changing gear ratios, which has never been done before! After modeling our parts, they create the toolpaths and manufacturing documents with the necessary dimensions and tolerancing to bring the parts to life!

Once trained, machinists will develop a process that produces a part with the required specifications. Operating CNC machines with in house generated tool paths, working on manual mills and lathes, and 3D printing are just a few methods that machinists at HPS use to manufacture an award winning drivetrain.

The Hull subteam designs, simulates and manufactures the outer shell of the submarine, balancing hydrodynamics, speed, and maneuverability. They make use of computer-aided modeling software as well as get their hands dirty when laying up, curing, and sanding the hull.

After choosing airfoils and modeling a few different submarine hulls in Solidworks, this team then runs simulations in a finite element anaylsis (FEA) software to determine the optimal hydrodynamic shape.

Then it’s on to manufacturing the plug, a mold, and finally the actual hull out of composites like fiberglass! Check out this video about how we made our Vaquita submarine in 2018!

The Dive subteam coordinates all dive related activities such as pool tests, scuba certification for new members and elaborating safety protocols. The dive team practices entry and exit drills in the water, as well as test safety features such as the dead man buoy and quick release hatches. Dive team’s two most important jobs are pilot safety and ballasting the submarine - maintaining a neutral and flat buoyancy is vital for speed and maneuverability.

The HSI subteam is responsible for the pilot’s interaction with the submarine through controls and steering mechanisms. This includes steering and safety features.

The most notable safety feature is the dead man’s buoy. When released, a high visibility buoy will float to the surface and alert the safety divers that the pilot requires assistance. Additionally, there are release mechanisms for these hatches, namely an internal release mechanism on the top hatch for the diver to be able to open and close their exit.

The Electronics subteam creates and programs experimental devices to enhance the submarine, developing projects like electronic steering and buoyancy control. They use C++ and Arduinos to control servos and other electronic components. The current projects they are working on include an electronic steering system, a CVT motor, a pilot information display, and a variable pitch propellor.

The Documentation/Media subteam chronicles and organizes the research and processes used by all other subteams for posterity, as well as communicates our journey by creating and managing our own website, wiki and social media.

This team essentially manages communication within and without the team, managing the website you are reading right now! (hello!) They help create multimedia tutorials on our team wiki (accessible on the wiki tab), as well as review and edit engineering drawings and design reports, developing skills in programming, web design and technical communication.