Ocean Engineering Commons^™

Underwater Image Enhancement: A Pipeline For Underwater Computer Visions, Humberto Lebron Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Ocean exploration has surged in popularity and significance in recent years, including diverse areas like maritime archeology, underwater resources, and submerged structure inspection. The activities mentioned above heavily depend on vision and imagery, a challenge in the unpredictable marine world. This thesis presents a conditional generative adversarial network model for image-to-image translation problems. We designed and trained the model with the end goal of enhancing underwater images. Five metrics were employed for validation to quantify our model’s resulting enhanced images. By doing so, we aim to establish a pipeline that can leverage aerial computer vision algorithms for marine applications.

Our …

Effects Of Perforations On Internal Cathodic Protection And Recruitment Of Marine Organisms To Steel Pipes, Alexander John Paluzzi

Theses and Dissertations

Steel monopile support structures for offshore wind turbines require protection from corrosion on their external and internal surfaces. Cathodic protection (CP) works effectively to protect the external surfaces of monopiles, but internally, byproducts from aluminum sacrificial anode CP (SACP) and impressed current CP (ICCP) induce acidification that accelerates steel corrosion. This project investigated the effects of perforations on the performance of aluminum SACP and ICCP when used inside of steel pipes. Additionally, marine growth on the external and internal surfaces of the pipes was assessed to determine if CP byproducts affect marine organism development.

Two sealed and two perforated steel …

Project Thetis: A Low-Cost, Low-Profile Inertial Data Logger, Braidan Duffy

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis details the design, testing, calibration, and verification of a nine degree of freedom inertial measurement data logger for use with floating bodies. The instrument was conceived to address limitations of equipment used in classes within the Ocean Engineering department at Florida Institute of Technology. By meeting with several stakeholders and end users, a series of stakeholder requirements, capabilities, and component-level requirements were de- veloped that informed the design constraints. There were several hardware iterations of the board, culminating in Revision F5 which was extensively tested and proven. The design was inspected after testing concluded to determine which capabilities …

Construction Of A Real-Time Forecast Model With Deep Learning Techniques For Coastal Engineering & Processes: Nested In Basin Scale Suite Of Models, Md Ahsan Habib

Theses and Dissertations

The study aims to develop a robust and adaptable real-time forecasting system for coastal and estuarine regions, considering the challenges of limited or unavailable forecast data. To address the challenge of data unavailability, this study proposes the application of a deep learning model (DLM). This research involves the development of a high-resolution numerical model nested within global models. Calibration and validation are performed by comparing the model with observed data. The study explores the effects of various parameters, such as vertical resolution, wind variability, and bottom roughness, on model performance. It finds that the 10-layer model improves vertical stratification and …

Biomimicry Of Natural Reef Hydrodynamics In An Artificial Spur And Groove Reef Formation, Emilee Alaine Wissmach

Theses and Dissertations

Coral reef populations have rapidly been declining in coastal waters worldwide. Losing these ecosystems results not only in a loss of habitat and biodiversity, but also a loss of wave attenuation and subsequent coastal protection. Ongoing projects seek to rehabilitate and/or replace destroyed reefs with artificial structures like reef balls and rip-rap, but none perform as well as a healthy, natural reef. This project created scale modules mimicking the reef-crest and spur-and-groove (SAG) zones commonly found in natural reefs and used these models to support new efforts in artificial reef design. The modular structure consists of three different components including: …

Predicting Near-Bed Sediment Transport Through Particle Image Velocimetry, Caroline Hoch

Theses and Dissertations

Erosion and accretion are coastal processes that directly affect the safety of coastal communities. Dimensionless parameters, such as the Shields and Ursell number, have historically been used to predict sediment motion in the nearshore region based on shear stress and wave linearity. This study uses particle image velocimetry to measure the velocity field of sediment within a wave flume and calculate these parameters for various wave profiles. Five regular wave trials and five irregular wave trials were run within the wave flume at varying depths to model how net transport changes as waves approach the shoreline. An instantaneous Shields number …

The Effect Of Zonation, Biofouling, And Corrosion Products On Cathodic Protection Design For Offshore Monopiles, Caglar Erdogan

Theses and Dissertations

Cathodic protection (CP) is required to prevent corrosion of the submerged steel for offshore wind monopile foundations in the marine environment. The design of these systems depends on the environmental conditions, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, depth, micro- and macro-organisms, and water flow rates. The standards utilized to design cathodic protection systems consider only some of these conditions. This research identified the gaps in knowledge for the design of corrosion prevention systems for offshore wind monopile foundations and investigated the changes in cathodic current densities due to macro-galvanic cells, fouling communities and corrosion products established on uncoated vertical steel …

Coupling A Parametric Wave Model Into Hydrodynamic Ocean Circulation Forecasts To Improve Efficiency Of Nested Estuarine Storm Surge Predictions, Caleb Tye Lodge

Theses and Dissertations

Efficiency in storm surge modeling is crucial for forecasting coastal hazards in real-time. While computation cost is trivial to organizations with ample resources, the robustness of forecasts generated by most parties are restricted by wall-clock time. The Parametric Wave Model (PARAM) was developed by Boyd and Weaver (2021) as an alternative to computationally expensive wind-wave models when modeling estuarine environments. For this study, PARAM has been tightly coupled with the ADCIRC hydrodynamic model to become ADCparam, then integrated into the Multistage ensemble forecast system, a one-way nesting framework for modeling waves and circulation in coastal estuaries developed by Taeb and …

Near-Shore Sediment Transport Under Cnoidal Waves Using Particle Image Velocimetry, Jenna Rose Katrina

Theses and Dissertations

With future trends showing a higher percentage of the human population living along the coast, coastal resilience is a significant topic of concern for many researchers. The purpose of this research was to analyze near-shore sediment transport under different wave parameters using the technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and laboratory studies for linear and nonlinear cnoidal waves. At the deeper extent of the nearshore profile, waves will tend to be linear, having an Ursell number less than 40, with little or no net sediment transport due to orbital velocities. The velocities are the same under the crest and trough …

Design And Analysis Of A Pipe And Pump System Constructed To Connect Port Canaveral To The Banana River, Nicole Ann Mcclain

Theses and Dissertations

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has hosted an extensive array of plants and animals throughout its lifetime, having one of the greatest species’ diversity of all North American estuaries. In addition to the variety of marine wildlife that is supported by the IRL, the system is also a recreational and economic resource for the counties bordering it. The biological integrity of the IRL, however, has shown evidence of decline in the last few decades, due to impaired water quality caused by pollution and disruptions to natural circulation patterns. If far-reaching changes are made to repair the water quality of the …

Flagellation Testing Of Composite Finger Skirts For Surface Effect Ship (Ses) Application, Natalie Marie Holliday

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to create flagellation data for SES finger skirts. The SES design allows it to have a high tonnage with low draft, little drag, low wavemaking resistance, remarkable carrying capacity, and incredible propulsive efficiency. A SES is a sidehull hovercraft, with air cavity sealing components at the bow and stern. The fingers at the bow collectively make up an elastic, flexible full sealing skirt, dissipating oncoming waves and allowing for the vessel to be self-stabilizing. The problem with SES vessels is that the bow finger skirts wear significantly over a short period of time (~ …

The Effect Of Simulated Mangrove Forest Width On Shoreline Stabilization At Multiple Tidal Water Levels, James Edward Austin

Theses and Dissertations

Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) forests protect hundreds of miles of Florida’s shorelines from erosion and wave damage associated with severe storms and daily wave action. Shorelines are often protected from erosion with man-made structures such as seawalls, revetments, and breakwaters. However, these man-made structures disrupt natural ecosystems and cause scour and erosion in surrounding areas. The presence of mangroves not only prevents erosion but shelters marine life and filters water, promoting ecological health. Mangroves are now being implemented for wave energy reduction and shoreline stabilization, but there is little quantitative data about the precise sediment transport induced or prevented by …

Optimal Onboard Renewable Energy Charging Method To Improve Micro-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Deployment Life, Brooklynn Dawn Byford

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an investigation of various methods for recharging a micro autonomous underwater vehicle (μAUV) onboard using renewable energy sources while deployed at sea. The goal of this project is to determine the optimal onboard renewable energy design method to be used to prolong the deployment life of a μAUV. This project specifically targeted vehicles specifications and designs similar to the Riptide Autonomous Solutions’ μAUV[1], which was used for this study. Concluding results are based on the following factors: power generation versus time, structural integrity, and design complexity. The three design method categories investigated are as follows: solar energy, …

Finite Element Method For Assessment Of Air Cushion Skirt Performance, Thomas Arthur Lipscomb

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to create a method of simulating the performance of new materials for use in air cushion vehicle skirts. These systems currently exhibit unacceptable design lifetimes to be considered for widespread adoption, except in specific applications such a military or rapid transport, where high cost is not an obstacle. This project also focuses on using a new high strain to failure resin system that has recently been developed, in combination with high performance reinforcing fibers, to increase the lifespan of the skirt systems. Using industry-standard finite element modelling (FEM) software, a 3d model of the …

Extreme Response Analysis Of A Site-Specific Offshore Wind Turbine And Offshore Wind Farm Layout Optimization, Xiaosen Xu

Theses and Dissertations

Offshore floating wind turbines have been developed in deep water where bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines are cost-prohibitive. Gulf of Maine has one of the greatest potential wind energy on the east coast. A detailed analysis of metocean data is essential for the dynamic simulation of the floating offshore wind turbine and the offshore wind farm layout optimization. Wave scatter diagram represents the joint probability of significant wave height and peak periods. In the wind energy industry, turbulence intensity is defined as the standard deviation of the horizontal wind speed divided by the average wind speed over certain time period. Uniform …

Alternative Material Selection For Oyster Restoration With An Emphasis On Living Docks, Bridgette Soucy

Theses and Dissertations

Oyster restoration efforts, including Living Shoreline and Living Dock projects, utilize aquaculture-grade plastic oyster mats to mitigate the decline of benthic communities. Aquaculture-grade plastic are known for strength, durability, and resilience to degradation in seawater. Over time, plastics break into microscopic segments commonly referred to as microplastics. Microplastics represent a major concern as marine organisms mistake the small particles for food. Plastics bioaccumulate in marine species, which impacts the marine food web and humans. In order to reduce further negative anthropogenic impacts, natural fibers and nature-inspired concrete mixtures were utilized across a series of experiments in order to determine an …

Living Docks: Structural Implications And Determination Of Force Coefficients Of Oyster Mats On Dock Pilings In The Indian River Lagoon, Ryan Christiansen

Theses and Dissertations

Brevard County, Florida, is facing rapid population growth and increased pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), impairing water quality and damaging the ecosystem. This is problematic not only for public health and environmental stability, but also for the economy. The Living Docks initiative was created to combat environmental degrade in the lagoon and restore natural functions back to the ecosystem. With increased urbanization along coastal systems, there is opportunity for new forms of ecological engineering such as Living Docks, which attaches oyster mats to dock pilings as a means to promote the growth of filter feeding organisms. It is …

Design Of An Environmentally Responsive Grooming Tool To Aid In Underwater Navigation, Bruce Huntress Walker Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Underwater hull grooming is a proactive approach to ship hull husbandry. It has been defined as the frequent and gentle wiping of a ship hull coating to maintain it free of fouling. One of the challenges to implementing a grooming schedule is the control and navigation of the devices over the surface of the hull. This thesis presents prior research that has developed self-attaching rotating brushes as an effective method to groom fouling control coatings and the results from several years of implementation in the marine environment. The hypothesis of this thesis is that the condition of the ship hull …

Integration Of Inboard Propulsion In Shock Mitigating Membrane Hull Technology, Korrey Rotkiske

Theses and Dissertations

Membrane Hull Technology is a strength based marine vessel design concept that seeks to utilize the in-plane properties of fiber reinforced composites to generate a lighter weight vessel with inherent shock mitigation benefits. MHT has been applied on several Naval crafts yet the design features of inboard propulsion systems have not been addressed. Inboard propulsion systems are a very common form of propulsion used in many types of marine vessels especially larger vessels. This thesis seeks to overcome the inboard engine mounting challenges of MHT which limits use of this technology in the marine industry. The fundamental design elements of …

Numerical Simulations Of Comprehensive Hydrodynamic Performance Of Darpa Suboff Submarine, Kenshiro Takahashi

Theses and Dissertations

A numerical study of the DARPA SUBOFF model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been presented for developing a CFD application procedure to compute the hydrodynamic performance of underwater vehicles, including submarines. Several configurations, such as bare hull, fairwater, sterns, and/or ringwing-appended hulls, were examined for the straight-ahead, steady translation and turning, and self-propelled conditions. A systematic study was conducted to ensure an adequate computational domain expansion and reasonable prism layer mesh properties for solutions independent of the parameters. The hydrodynamic forces exerted on the hull and the appendages were verified and validated in accordance with a published methodology under …

Advancing Numerical Calculation Of Mixed Sized Sediment Transport And Morphology Change, Irene Margaret Watts

Theses and Dissertations

Numerical modeling of sediment transport and morphologic change has become a powerful tool for studying and working in the coastal zone. Numerical calculation can assist in a broad range of projects from regional sediment management to beach nourishment as well as evaluating environmental aspects of dredging and placement and implications to water quality and turbidity. Success in application of these tools is partially dependent on the quality of characterization of the sediments in the field. These parameters could include grain size, mineralogical composition, specific gravity and fall velocity. Sediment transport formulations are sensitive to the spatial representation of the sediments …

A Coastal Estuarine Ensemble Forecasting System, Peyman Taeb

Theses and Dissertations

This research has been conducted in an effort to reduce the computational costs associated with high-resolution coastal estuarine modeling in ADCIRC. It was proposed that model scalability will be significantly enhanced if the conventional single-domain technique is replaced by a nesting method. Preliminary testing indicated the potential for 50% to more than 80% simulation runtime reduction (depending on the study site) by implementing a nesting technique. Once the concept was proved, the development of an operational, ensemble-based forecasting system, exclusively for the east coast of Central Florida and the IRL system, was implemented. The system, referred to as Ensemble Multistage, …

Experimental And Numerical Analysis Of The Drag Force On Surfboards With Different Shapes, Omar Lahlou

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of the present study is to define the hydrodynamic resistance of surfboards with different designs. Decreasing the drag acting on a board helps the surfer to attain higher surfing performances. It helps to attain higher speeds and maneuvering for the surfer. In this thesis, theoretical, experimental and computational approaches are used to explain how the drag changes with different surfboard shapes. Four surfboards with varying shapes were towed at different speeds and the resulting force was recorded. Two computational models were developed using Star CCM and Flowsquare to confirm the experimental results. The drag force on the boards …

Feasibility Study And Hydrodynamics Of Transformable Submersible Hydrofoil Trimaran, Yipeng Pan

Theses and Dissertations

It has been the endeavor of naval architects to design innovative hull forms to address the political, socio-economic climate and sustainability around the world. It is imperative that countries be able to protect their sea lanes and coastal zones from surveillance and infiltration from hostile foreign entities. Hence there is a need to develop radically different hull form, which possess the elusive ability and are capable of high-speed. In order to fulfill the idea, the hypothesis envisioned in this thesis is: the Transformable Submersible Hydrofoil Trimaran (TSHT) as an innovative and ground breaking hull form would address the feasibility of …

Membrane Hull Technology Implemented Into A D-Collar Work Boat, Joshua Hagan

Theses and Dissertations

Membrane Hull Technology (MHT) was initially developed for the United States Navy Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) as an alternative structure design to provide weight savings and shock mitigation. MHT accomplishes this by veering away from traditional hull design and utilizing a grid like system with an increased number of longitudinal stringers and transverse frames with a significantly lower moment of inertia when compared to traditional stringers and bulkheads. The decrease in stiffness allows for increased deflection in the hull during high load events with the added benefit of shock absorption. This technology, developed by Structural Composites Inc., has been successfully …

Numerical Study On Seakeeping Performance Of Hydrofoil Assisted Submersible Trimaran (Hast), Yuchen Lin

Theses and Dissertations

The present study focuses on the seakeeping characteristics of Hydrofoil Assisted Submersible Trimaran (HAST). The seakeeping performance is an important part in ship design because it effects the comfort, control, resistance and safety. The motions in wave will reduce the performance of ship which is designed and optimized in calm water. The heave and pitch motions of HAST in calm water and regular waves have been investigated by STAR CCM+, a CFD analysis program. The theory of numerical simulation based on STAR CCM+ has been presented. The basic theory of seakeeping performance studies has been discussed. A series of simulations …

Development, Testing, Analysis, And Efficiency Of A Variable Area Dredge In Combination With A Mobile Ferrate-Based Treatment Facility, Leigh Ann Provost

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis proposal outlines the development and testing of a mobile slurry treatment trailer coupled with a variable area suction head and further expands on results and procedures shown in Feasibility of Muck Removal in the IRL Watershed and Subsequent Ferrate Treatment to Remove Excess Nutrients. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the suction head based on the percent solids maintained during dredging. This thesis also evaluates a scaled design and associated costs for a fully scaled dredging project utilizing the suction head. Additional statistics involving further fitting sediment data to a Weibull …

The Corrosion And Biofouling Characteristics Of Sealed Vs. Perforated Offshore Monopile Interiors: Experiment Design Comparing Corrosion And Environment Inside Steel Pipe, Monica M. Maher

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the need to improve on the existing methods for the corrosion control of the monopile interiors used to support wind powered turbines by incorporating a design that also enhances marine habitats and fisheries. Retrofitting monopile interiors with cathodic protection has been attempted on existing windfarms to mitigate corrosion, however, this can cause new problems including water acidification and hydrogen sulfide formation. Such chemistry changes can lead to unique localized corrosion concerns. This study investigated internal corrosion, chemistry and biofouling inside partially submerged hollow steel pipes. Watertight pipes with stagnant water inside were compared to pipes with holes …

Cfd Analysis Of Resistance For Stepless And Stepped Planing Hulls, Bhanu Prakash Valtheru

Theses and Dissertations

It is the endeavour of naval architects to design hull forms with the least amount of power consumption. In this respect, Naval Architects have been obsessed with the design of various hull forms optimized for a particular service requiring the lowest amount of fuel consumption keeping in mind effects on the climate change and sustainability. Regardless of the way that a considerable measure of research has been done around this area, there remains a level of uncertainty in the reasonably accurate resistance prediction of stepped hull forms in the early design stage. Model tests and full-scale tests are still the …

Controlled Intake Area Dredging For Fine Sediment Removal To Improve Water Quality In The Indian River Lagoon, Hannah Christine Grisanti

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an investigation of hydraulic dredging specifically designed to remove muck and other fine sediments from local water systems in Brevard County, Florida. The goal of the project is to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and create positive environmental impacts. Dredging is an excavation activity that takes place underwater in shallow seas or freshwater environments to remove material from the bottom surface. Typically, dredging techniques are implemented to keep waterways such as canals, inlets, and harbors navigable for boats and barges. Dredging is also commonly used to move sand from offshore sources to beaches …