Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Students Ocean Test a System
During the Spring 2008 semester, students in MEE 373 Controlled Mechanisms designed and built a system for the tissue culture laboratory in the research vessel, Odyssey. In order for tissues in culture to remain alive and healty, they must be nearly constantly bathed in a nutrient medium. Ships rock and they roll or tilt in one direction for an extended period of time. On September 18, 2008 the class, along with instructor Dan Martin, tested the device on the Odyssey. Data was gathered on ship motions in beautiful Casco Bay, offshore from Portland, Maine, and is presently being analyzed. First indications are that motions of the ship are accurately collected and stored by the system. The information can be used to refine the control mechanism that keeps the platform level.
Raising the sail
It's a small lab
Researcher John Wise observes Portland Head Light.
Reviewing the data
Souh Portland Bug Light. Returning to dock.
