Underwater Engineering, Basic Course

In the introductory part composition and properties of ocean sea water is dealt with, also with purpose to serve as basis for the understanding of sound transmission, light conditions and primary production in the oceans. Then it explains how this knowledge is applied in underwater instruments for positioning, signal transfer, mapping, measurements and experimental samling. The main course content deals with systems for transport and operation in the ocean space as well as methods for calculation of the influence of the ocean current and vessel movement on hanging loads and ROVs. Also design, operation and evaluation of the properties of manned, remote controlled and autonomous systems are dealt with. The course contains an element of underwater robotics lecturing fundamental robotics and autonomy. The course also include a description of relevant topics related to development of subsea pipeline systems such as system design, material selection, welding, wall thickness design, hydrodynamic stability, problems related to free-spans on uneven seabed, thermal expansion behavior, intervention, tie in to end infrastructures and ready for operation.

After having completed the course the students shall have obtained a basic understanding of the processes in the world ocean as well as in design, contruction and working principle of various underwater systems. Specific learning objectives are: Basic knowledge of the world oceans, including depths, ocean currents, temperature conditions and salinity/seawater density. Knowledge and understanding of design and operational conditions for the main underwater vehicles as ROVs and AUVs. Beeing trained in and able to plan and perform complex underwater tasks as search for and resque lost objects as boats aircrafts and others from various depths, incfluding preserving of them after being brought to surface. Know and understand various underwater positioning and navigational systems. Being able to wright (group) reports about complex underwater operations, including time surveying of the mother ship. The student shall obtain a fundamental understanding of a robotic system for underwater usage - and how they can be programmed. Knowledge related to important issues that need to be considered during design, installation and operation of offshore pipelines. Being able to perfrom simple calculations related to installation, wallthickness design and insulation design.

Lectures, practical training with ROV's. There will be a graded student group work. All group members will in principle get the same marks. There are fundamental lab and code assignments that are solved by student groups. The lab work is concluded with programming and testing of a small robot in Exercises are obligatory 75% to be approved to start exam.