Edmonds Community College materials science technology students are teaming up with engineering students from Everett Community College to design, build and race a human-powered submarine this month in Maryland.
For the first time, the colleges are participating in the International Submarine Races, June 27-July 1, where awards are given for overall performance, innovation, speed and best use of composite materials. Competitors include the University of Washington, University of Maryland and Texas A&M as well as government agencies, corporations, research labs and individuals.
The competition aims to inspire students to advance underwater technologies such as sub-sea vehicle hydrodynamics, propulsion and life support systems. It also gives students a chance to put what they’ve learned into practice. They must build a wet submarine capable of submerging and carrying two of their friends (equipped with scuba gear ) — one to drive, the other to provide the power.
Using materials donated by The Boeing Company, Jeremy Bruce, Edward LaRocque, Jason Verges and Demetrio Urtula of EdCC are responsible for designing the hull as well as researching, manufacturing and testing their team’s entry.
The group is building a 13-foot, self-stabilizing hydrodynamic submarine using composite and traditional materials. The sub will have a strong, but light, fiberglass hull bound with waterproof epoxy resin and a polycarbonate nose for clarity and high-impact strength.
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