The full CAD model has been completed and is shown in Figure 1. The device has been split into 3 separate parts by maneuvering around the ports externally and internally. Figure 2 displays how the split looks internally from going around the ports. Additionally, the ports now have a greater distance from the center hydraulic hole (shown in Figure 3), allowing for better manufacturing tolerances. Team 16's first task of the third milestone has been completed. The design was validated by meeting with the chosen 3D metal vendor, Laser Welding Solutions, and discussing the CAD design options and whether it was within their manufacturing capabilities. The third task of calculating deformation has also been completed but is awaiting validation. In determining the validation of the calculations, the team reached out to a couple of solid mechanics professors at the University of Houston to check the work. As a result, Dr. Shailendra P Joshi has agreed to meet with the team this week as a third-party consultant for the deformation calculations. As the team waits for the meeting, the tolerance study is in progress.
Figure 1: Full Assembly Model Featuring Split Design
During this time, the team plans to complete two FEAs of the design. To confirm there is no deformation from the hydraulic cylinder load, an FEA featuring that force will be conducted and compared to the stress and strain calculations previously done. Additionally, the team will generate a pressure simulation using FEA on the 3D model to recreate the subsea high-pressure environment. If time permits, the team hopes to have the majority of the drawing package complete by the end of the semester. If not, the team plans to complete it during winter break to be able to submit it to the vendor at the beginning of Capstone II.
Figure 2: Individual Split Part
Figure 3: Internal Cross Section of Ports
A potential obstacle we may run into would be conducting the FEA simulations. Currently, we are using SolidWorks to perform these studies. If we have difficulty completing these tasks with this software, we will turn to COMSOL or ABAQUS and attempt analysis there. Running an FEA simulation could take anywhere from 5 minutes to 8 hours depending on the model, we anticipate our model to be on the longer end, which would eat up a lot of our time just waiting on results. If any errors or mistakes occur in setting up the initial simulation then we would have to wait that time again.
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