March 20, 2000
In addition to the pictures that went up on March 13, we have now added to drawings and concept ideas for the new DPV.
This week we started our first steps towards the redesign process. We began to measure out the existing molds to see what the current dimensions were, and what would be the best way to modify them. Also, we began the preliminary drawings both of the current molds (using ProEngineer) and of a possible modification idea (hand drawn). As can be seen in the attached drawings, we intend to shorten the existing design, as well as make the top of the DPV more aerodynamic. We intend to level out the current back of the DPV into a more rounded saddle-type seat. The handlebars will be placed at more of an angle toward the driver, instead of straight up. Also, a motorcycle-like shield will be placed on front. Current specifications (tentative) are as follows:
| Item | Specification |
| Weight | 500 lbs. |
| Max Speed | 6 kts. |
| Turn Radius (Surface) | 5 ft. |
| Turn Radius (Underwater) | 7 ft |
| Rate of Ascent | <60 ft/min. |
| Horsepower | TBD |
Finally, we put together a tentative schedule for the project.
| Start Date | End Date | Event |
| 11-Jan-00 | open | Information gathering |
| 14-Mar-00 | 22-Mar-00 | Base drawings |
| 14-Mar-00 | 29-Mar-00 | Modified proposal |
| 20 Mar-00 | 4-Apr -00 | Initial ProE drawings |
| 20-Mar-00 | 20-May-00 | Redesign DPV / Calculations |
| 20-May-00 | 20-Jun-00 | Build hull |
| 20-Mar-00 | ? | System design |
We also plan to use a dye injected flow test to study the drag and lift of our designs.
March 13, 2000
Over the past 2 weeks, the project has been growing by leaps and bounds. We were lucky enough to find the molds to the old craft. The proposed idea is to measure these molds, and possibly modify them to make the design more streamline and lighter. Also, we began to get very favorable responses from many companies about materials donations when we get to that point.
A new link (pictures) has been added to this page. It contains pictures of the current DPV as well as the molds we found.
February 2000
Our search for information and materials for the DPV has presented the following alternatives:
1. Keep the existing jet ski-style craft intact and improve the existing systems. The scope of this alternative includes connecting the Seadoo engine and installing an electric engine for submersible propulsion. It also includes improving steering, planing, diving and surfacing capabilities. Pros: The craft already exists, contains a large engine, and supposedly floats. Cons: The existing vehicle is extremely heavy and bulky. The information and hull data we have on it are old and we are not familiar with the original plan for the existing pieces. The existing ballast section of the hull is poorly designed making it difficult to evacuate stored water.
2. Salvage the lower hull and remove the fiberglass upper structure. The scope of this alternative includes redesigning the ballast tank, pressurized engine compartment, seat, and steering system. An electric motor is still necessary and steering, diving and surfacing capabilities still need improvement. Pros: Using the outside hull would save us the trouble of designing and fabricating another one. We could still use the Seadoo engine and we would not have to start from scratch. Cons: The craft would remain excessively heavy and with most of the same problems.
3. Create a new prototype similar to an underwater motorcycle. The design includes an electric propulsion system for both surface and submerged power. The craft surfaces using semi-rigid inflatable bladders and planes on these bladders in addition to wing-like appendages. This idea is based on the Hydrospeeder and would be most successful with the donation or purchase of a Hydrospeeder hull. Pros: This plan eliminates some of the old problems and reduces underwater drag. It also allows our team to start with an existing and successful underwater DPV and concentrate on a few smaller design problems. Cons: Without a donation from Hydrospeeder we would have to start from scratch or invest most/all of our budget in buying/building a hull. Floating, planing, and re-submerging the Hydrospeeder presents a difficult design problem.