Ocean Engineering Commons^™

Lidss Raft Battery Pack Integration, Jack Maxwell, Vincent Stevens, Matthew Hoodmaker, Colin Flanders

Mechanical Engineering

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a critical member of the United States Department of Defense. Their Independent Diagnostics Scoring System (LIDSS) uses rafts that operate in the ocean to collect missile test data. Several times a year, the United States will test their Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles by launching them into the ocean near the Marshall Islands. This is where the LIDSS rafts collect their test data. Our project was centered around re-designing the battery pack used by the rafts. The current battery pack design experiences water ingress problems and is difficult to access. Our re-designed battery pack is waterproof to …

Sustainability In The Cruising Industry: Innovations In Air Quality, Energy Efficiency, And Waste Management, Fikret Durmus, Mi Ran Kim

ICHRIE Research Reports

The cruise industry, a cornerstone of the global hospitality and tourism sector, faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. As passenger numbers grow, so does the industry's responsibility to adopt sustainable practices. This report examines key innovations in air quality management, energy efficiency, and waste management, highlighting the industry's transition from historically high emissions and waste production to advanced sustainability initiatives. Key focus areas include evolving maritime regulations, adopting cleaner propulsion technologies, integrating energy-efficient solutions, and improving waste treatment practices. Findings indicate that industry leaders are investing in liquefied natural gas engines, exhaust gas cleaning systems, and onshore power supply …

Stability Of Holes In Granular Raft, Plabon Kumar Saha

All Theses

A granular raft at an oil–water interface exhibits unique mechanical properties, including the ability to form and sustain stable holes. In this study, we experimentally investigate the formation, stability, and collapse dynamics of holes in particle rafts composed of micrometer-sized particles. Holes are created using a hollow cylinder, which generates a meniscus that inhibits particle motion, thus stabilizing the hole. Stable holes are formed when their size reaches a critical value, which depends upon the capillary length. The critical hole size does not depend upon the circularity of the hole. We show that capillary forces due to the presence of …

Fpso Motion In Synthetic Environments: Stereo-Driven Deep Learning For Wavefield Reconstruction, Motion Analysis, And Mooring System Assessment, Omar Jebari

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents an integrated synthetic environment for simulating the motion and monitoring the integrity of a moored Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The central hypothesis is that synthetic data-driven approaches can (1) accurately estimate spatio-temporal wave fields, (2) predict vessel motion, and (3) monitor the integrity of the mooring system—using stereo imagery of the wave field and structure motion, both of which can be acquired in real time. The first study develops a synthetic framework for estimating spatial wave fields using stereo images captured by dual cameras mounted on a moving FPSO. Dynamic sea states and vessel …

Tracing Wave Induced Flow Field Surrounding Reef Balls, Alexis Scheele

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to explore the wave-induced flow dynamics around Reef Ball models using dye tracing techniques. Reef Balls are hemispherical artificial reefs with a hollow center and cavities throughout each face, they are designed in this manner to enhance coral reef restoration. Reef Balls rely on wave energy and current motion to facilitate water circulation and nutrient exchange within and surrounding their structure. To understand how wave action influences flow patterns around these artificial reefs, a scaled model experiment was designed to simulate real-world conditions. The experiments were conducted in the wave flume at Florida Institute of Technology’s Surf …

Towards Sustainable Energy: Design And Preliminary Testing Of Tidal Current Turbines, Yareli A. Zelaya Pavon

Presentations - 2025

As the energy demand constantly increases and traditional energy resources decrease, incorporating sustainable alternatives has become necessary. In this context, this research attempts to provide a new solution for energy scarcity in regions that lack electricity, especially those located near large ocean areas. The objective of this project was to engineer and investigate an ideal prototype to transform power generation. Through detailed design and testing, this project seeks to reveal the potential of tidal energy, offering an alternative to communities struggling with energy distribution.

The research focuses on utilizing custom-designed propellers, which are 3D printed and installed on an open …

Raising Awareness About Hydrographic Careers Through Sea-Going Opportunities, Juliet Kinney, Rochelle Wigley, Sara Cardigos, Fahima Bellabad, Larissa Marques Freguette

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

There is a worldwide shortage of hydrographic personnel (van Wegen, 2021, Hydro International 2008).  Calls for action to address this issue include the IHO’s Hydrography at Sea opportunities, while intiatiative such as Seabed 2030 are bringing broader attention to the field and helping to catalyze new discussions and partnerships in hydrography (IHO, 2024).  The global sea floor mapping community needs to develop a broader workforce pipeline.  We would like to highlight the importance of providing time at sea and leadership opportunities in developing a robust workforce.  We start with an overview of a selection of current exchange and training programs …

Development And Deployment Of In Situ Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing Systems And Data Processing Workflows For Oceanographic Observatories In Coastal And Deep-Sea Environments, Johann Sebastian Becker

Open Access Dissertations

Over the last two decades, fiber optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) has emerged as a transformative technology capable of providing unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution observations of temperature in a broad range of environmental sensing, industrial, and civil engineering monitoring applications. DTS uses a single interrogator unit to measure temperature continuously along an optical fiber, effectively turning the fiber into the equivalent of an array of temperature probes that can be interrogated synoptically. Modern commercially-available DTS systems are capable of continuous sensing with sampling frequencies up 5 sec, spatial resolution of 0.25 m, and temperature precision up to 0.01 °C) observations, on …

Study On Motion Prediction Analysis Of Large Vessels Entering Kaohsiung Port Second Harbor, Li-Heng Cheng, Hsing-Yu Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Pilotage is a primary service offered by ports, ensuring the safe passage of entering and exiting vessels. This study applied motion prediction analysis to large vessels navigating the constrained waterways of Kaohsiung Port’s second harbor. To address the needs of pilots and port operators, a simplified planar motion equation was developed that incorporated speed over ground and rate of turn (ROT) as primary variables. The model relied on inputs of limited navigational data, enabling pilots to predict changes in heading and position over time and determine the conditions for safe harbor entry. Vessel paths and turning angles were analyzed to …

Conference Report Of Wmu Maritime Affairs Conference 2025 : Transforming A Maritime Future : Digitalization And Decarbonization, World Maritime University

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Finite Element Modeling Of Offshore Wind Monopile Impact Pile Driving In Comsol Multiphysics, Brendan J. Giordano

Open Access Master's Theses

The primary foundation type for offshore wind farms are large-diameter monopiles, which are installed with an impact hammer that produces a high-intensity, broadband impulsive signal that radiates acoustic energy in the water column and seafloor. This signal generates multiple waves such as compressional, shear and Scholte (or interface) waves. Scholte waves travel on the water-sediment interface and contain high-intensity, low-frequency energy that benthic species of fish and invertebrates could possibly detect. COMSOL Multiphysics, which is a finite element modeling software, was used to develop two transient models of impact pile driving to measure Scholte wave particle motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration) …

Optical-Link-Aware Online Waypoint Planner For Asv-Auv Systems, Ansel R. Austin

Open Access Master's Theses

The growing demand for ocean mapping and survey missions has increased interest in reliable AUV-ASV platforms. In such systems, reliable communication between the AUV and ASV is critical for monitoring the AUV's status and offloading large data products such as multi-beam sonar point clouds. While the range of acoustic telemetry can span several kilometers, its bandwidth is inadequate for transmitting high-volume data streams (such as images and point clouds). Underwater optical communication modems, in contrast, provide a relatively high bandwidth but are hindered by rapid attenuation in turbid water and a narrow field of view. This thesis introduces an online, …

Using Post-Supercritical Co2-Assisted Method To Deposit Niep Alloy Coating On The Micro-Arc Oxidation Layer Of Az31 Magnesium Alloy And Its Corrosion Behavior Analysis, Kang-Yu Liao, Hung-Hua Sheu, Ming-Yuan Lin, Ming-Chih Kuo, Po-Hsun Wu, Hung-Bin Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, a Ni-P alloy coating was deposited on the micro arc oxidation (MAO) layer of AZ31 magnesium alloy to improve its corrosion resistance. The MAO layers were prepared under different operated voltages from 300 to 400 V. The results indicated that the optimize operated parameters for MAO layer is at 350 V, the MAO coatings had the most compact microstructure and superior corrosion resistance. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of MAO coating, this study chose to deposit Ni-P alloy coating on the surface of MAO coating via the post supercritical CO₂-assisted electroless plating (PSC-CO …

The Effect Of Feedback On A Remote Operator’S Maneuvering Control For Mass Remote Navigation Competency, Hyoseon Hwang, Ik-Hyun Youn

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The rapid advancement of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) technology has highlighted the growing need for Remote Operators (ROs) to manage MASS effectively. ROs possess specialized competencies in areas such as situational awareness, crisis management, and system operation. Despite the introduction of competency-based training and assessment in the maritime sector through the international convention on standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers convention, the framework's implementation remains incomplete, particularly in remote operator training for MASS. This study is purpose to identify which competencies improve rapidly with performance feedback and which improve slowly. This study conducted an experiment to quantitatively …

Evaluation Of Carbon Sequestration In Seagrass Meadows Of Kenting: A Comparative Study With Penghu And Dongsha Island, Zih-Wei Tang, Huei-Fen Chen, Jordi Mahardika Puntu, Ping-Yu Chang, Li Lo, Jian-Jhih Chen, Wen-Chen Chou, Lan-Feng Fan, Ying-Ju Chang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study investigates the controlling factors of carbon sequestration (CS) in seagrass bed sediments across three distinct environments in Taiwan: the Kenting (KT) coastal area, the Penghu (PH) open inner bay, and the Dongsha (DS) Atoll lagoon. Actual measurements of the substrate depth beneath the sediment and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans of the beach reveal that the coral reef bedrock in KT slopes landward. A field survey of the seagrass area in KT was conducted, and three cross-sectional profiles were analyzed to determine their topography, yielding a median sediment thickness of 88.2cm. Based on these measurements, the sediment volume was …

Calculation Of Aquifer Transmissivity From Borehole Resistance Measurements And Pumping Test Results, Fen-Rong Yang, Chien-Wei Huang, Tien-Kuen Huang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Transmissivity is a crucial hydrogeological parameter for evaluating groundwater resources. This parameter is conventionally evaluated using pumping tests; however, these tests are costly and can be conducted at few sites. Many researchers have used ground resistance and pumping test data to estimate various hydrogeological parameters. In this study, borehole resistance survey and pumping test data collected by the Taiwan Groundwater Monitoring Network were used to establish the relationship between transmissivity and formation factor for aquifers in the Zhuoshui River alluvial fan. This relationship was then used to estimate the water output of the aforementioned aquifers in a cost-effective manner from …

A Neural Network-Based Sliding Mode Adaptive Control System For Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Sun Qiaomei, An Liang, Jiang Linglin

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Over the past decades, numerous studies have explored the use of autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Successful USV operation requires a robust tracking control system to perform a range of tasks. However, USV dynamics are uncertain, time-varying, and nonlinear. This paper presents a neural network-based sliding mode adaptive control (NNSMAC) system to enhance USV tracking performance. Trajectories were generated using spline and polynomial interpolation based on a set of N predefined waypoints. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional sliding mode control in error reduction, enabling more effective tracking.

Knowledge Integrated Deep Learning For Enhanced Fault Diagnosis And Prognosis For Rotating Machinery And Its Applications On Marine Systems, Yunsheng Su

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This dissertation develops a knowledge-informed deep learning framework for robust fault diagnosis and prognosis across various engineered systems, including bearings, lithium-ion batteries, and mooring systems in wave energy converters (WECs). A deep transfer learning (DTL) method is first developed to improve bearing fault diagnosis by fusing data from multiple sources and extracting key features using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Building upon this, a knowledge-informed deep network (KIDN) framework is proposed, integrating physics-based features with deep learning to enhance diagnostic accuracy and generalizability. A constrained Gaussian process (CGP) model is further employed to guide adaptive network design and reduce model tuning …

Foreign Object Detection System Development Using Edge Devices Integrated With Quadcopter Autonomous Tracking, Chi-Chia Huang, Ching-Hung Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study proposes an all-weather autonomous foreign-object detection system capable of operating in low-light environments. We used a highly mobile quadcopter equipped with an edge-computing device as the inspection platform. On the software side, we integrated a low-light image enhancement model, a path-tracking algorithm, and a foreign object detection model to achieve rapid object detection. A lightweight, low-light image-enhancement model reduces the need for additional lighting equipment, thereby enabling reliable detection under low-light conditions. The path-tracking algorithm integrates a lightweight semantic segmentation model with traditional image-processing techniques to establish flight paths efficiently and reliably. The foreign-object detection component employs state-of-the-art …

Optimization Of Underactuated Ship Sliding Mode Controller Based On The Ddpg Algorithm, Lin Ma, Mingzhe Qi, Shicai Chen, Hongwei Bian, Jian Zhang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Due to the development of ship intelligence, the demand for precise controllers is increasing day by day. In traditional design, the trial-and-error method often leads to the use of inaccurate controller parameters, causing oscillations when environmental disturbances are present. To address these issues, this study introduces deep learning to optimize the controller parameters, particularly those used for sliding mode controllers in underactuated ships. We adopt the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm based on the Actor Critic framework. By freely setting the reward function to match the control objective, the trained model can output more accurate controller parameters, with the …

Experiments On Aluminum Alloy Additive Layer Waam Lamination Using The Arc Current Reduction Technique, Jukkapun Greebmalai, Eakkachai Warinsiriruk, Chao-Hsiang Hsiao, Yin-Tien Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Recent advancements in additive manufacturing have been propelled by innovations in processes, materials, and fabrication techniques. This study specifically focuses on the optimizing Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) within the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. The goal is to build laminated layers using aluminum alloy from the five-thousand series. In this research, a novel technique is introduced that employs a reduced arc-current during the additive layer progress for aluminum alloys, along with a double pulse current in the GMAW process to enhance weldability. The material used for addition is ER5356 aluminum wire, which is applied to an Al-5083 …

An Optimization Model For Supporting Bunkering Decisions In Bulk Shipping, Chung-Cheng Lu, Hui-Chieh Li, Hung-Yu Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study addresses a bunkering optimization problem for bulk shipping carriers that explores route deviation to find optimal bunkering locations and amounts. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed to determine optimal bunkering decisions that minimize total operating costs, including total daily operating costs, bunkering costs, port charges and surcharges, while observing time window constraints at loading/unloading ports. The proposed model is evaluated using instances generated from real data provided by H company with its operational headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, which operates a fleet of handysize ships in East and South Asia. The results indicate that optimization models …

Assessment Of Coastal Navigation Safety: A Case Study Of Boka Bay With Stakeholder Perspectives, Ivan Mraković, Rino Bošnjak

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The navigational safety of Boka Bay, i.e., a critical maritime area along the Adriatic coast, is of great importance owing to its ecological sensitivity, diverse marine traffic, and significant economic activity. This study provides a comprehensive assessment by analyzing the perspectives of various stakeholders, including seafarers, local pilots, skippers, regulatory authorities, and others engaged in maritime activities within the bay. Using a structured questionnaire survey, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in formats such as descriptive responses, Yes/No choices, and Likert scale ratings, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of navigational practices and challenges. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, …

A Hybrid Model To Assess Commercial Port Resilience In Taiwan, Po-Hsing Tseng, James J.H. Liou

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Since 2021, international commercial ports have faced unprecedented challenges (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, Suez Canal congestion), impacting daily life, work, human well-being, properties, the environment, and socio-economic activities. The adaptation capability resilience of international commercial ports to respond to external changes has become crucial. This study develops an expert knowledge-based hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model integrating Best-Worst Method (BWM), Rough Dombi Aggregator, and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) to evaluate port resilience capabilities, using Taiwan's international commercial ports as a case study. We propose four evaluation dimensions encompassing 13 indicators: detection capability, resistance capability, resource integration capability, and recovery capability. The BWM determined …

An Evaluation Of The Possibility And Effectiveness Of Renewable Energy In Container Terminal At Jinhae New Port, Min-Seop Sim, Yul-Seong Kim, Chang-Hee Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The international goals of combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are driving container terminal operators to adopt renewable energy solutions. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing renewable energy and eco-fuels for energy independence at the Jinhae New Port Container Terminal, South Korea. Using portfolio analysis, eight renewable energy technologies (solar power, solar thermal energy, wind energy, hydropower, marine energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy) and seven eco-friendly fuels (electricity, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia fuel cells, bioenergy, and hybrid systems) were assessed. Survey data from stakeholders identified solar, wind, and …

Numerical Simulation Of The Fracture Resistance Of A Flame Deflector Under Impact And High Temperature By Using The Extended Finite-Element Method, Guangzhong Liu, Yuqing Feng, Tong Lin, Zhixin Xiong, Zhenting Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

During the launch of rockets at sea, the flame deflector of the launch platform is subject to transient impact loads and high temperatures, which can result in the fracturing of the flame deflector, thereby endangering the platform and launch safety. In this study, dynamic crack propagation in a flame deflector under the aforementioned conditions was numerically investigated using the extended finite-element method (XFEM). The bulk of the flame deflector was modeled using shell elements, the local area in which the crack evolves was modeled using solid elements, and discontinuities were modeled using enrichment functions in the XFEM. The degrees of …

Overseas Agent Selection For International Logistics Companies: A Case Study, Hung-Ta Lin, Hua-An Lu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

International logistics companies (ILCs) have aggressively participated in the supply chain systems of production industries as part of global trade development. They have adopted diversified and multinational models by expanding their overseas services to align with the various characteristics of regional economic patterns. Assigning specific local agents for their forwarding operations has been one of the key strategies for overseas services. Notably, the performance of these selected agents has significantly influenced service quality in their respective regions. In collaboration with the top management of an ILC, this study proposes an evaluation framework comprising 4 criteria and 16 subcriteria for selecting …

Cfrp Retrofitting For Enhancing Damping In Cushion Mounts For Marine Applications, Chih-Lung Hou, Guang-Min Luo, Sheng-Yuan Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Reducing vibration transmission and dynamic response is critical for data processing devices, precision instruments, and machinery in environments with frequent shocks, such as naval applications. These devices are often mounted to ships with cushion mounts. This study presents a cost-effective and rapid method for retrofitting mounts with carbon fiber reinforced polymers; the method greatly improved damping and effectively reduced vibration transmission. Specimens were produced and subjected to experimental modal analysis, and finite element models were developed for comparison. The frequency response functions and modes of the structural components from both methods were compared to assess the improvement in the damping …

Application Of Genetic Algorithm In Container Vessel Stowage Planning With Carbon Tax Considerations, Ming-Feng Yang, Wei-Hao Su, Ko-Meng Hu, Yu-Hsuan Li

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study developed a method for optimizing stowage planning for container vessels, a crucial aspect of international trade logistics. Over 80% of global trade depends on containerized transportation; thus, effective stowage planning is essential for minimizing transportation costs and enhancing operational efficiency. In the proposed hybrid optimization approach, integer programming is combined with a genetic algorithm to generate optimal stowage plans. The key factors considered in this method include load capacity limits, stacking constraints, and carbon tax regulations. The proposed method involves maximizing space utilization while minimizing logistics costs, with particular emphasis on reducing port dwell times. The findings of …

Research On Multi-Ship Collision Avoidance Decision-Making Based On Improved Velocity Obstacle Method Using Dynamic Elliptical Ship Domains, Tang Xinwei, Li Weifeng

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The velocity obstacle method offers collision avoidance solutions for critical multi-ship encounter scenarios. This thesis introduces a Reciprocal Velocity Obstacle (RVO) approach based on dynamic elliptical ship domains for multi-ship collision avoidance. Initially, the concept of dynamic elliptical ship domains is presented, building upon the original static elliptical ship domain Velocity Obstacle (VO) method. Subsequently, multi-ship encounter scenarios are simulated in both virtual environments and real nautical charts, comparing the two methods. The analysis results demonstrate the improved method's excellent performance in both cases, underscoring its advantages. This research provides more effective collision avoidance strategies for multi-ship encounters.