Date of Award
2021
Degree Type
Capstone Project
First Advisor
Dr. David Chelidze
Second Advisor
Dr. Philip Datseris
Third Advisor
Dr. Zongqin Zhang
Abstract
Together with Team 10, Team 11 was tasked by Los Alamos National Laboratory to design a functioning Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can examine nuclear fuel rods in an underwater nuclear reactor. Team 11 was specifically tasked with designing two important elements of the ROV; a camera housing, that could be easily be attached and detached from the underwater vehicle, and a method of detecting the strength of gamma radiation emitted by the fuel elements.
Team 11 worked closely with Team 10 to accomplish a sturdy and reliable design that utilizes mirrors to reflect an image for viewing by a camera. This method lengthens the life of the camera and allows for less frequent replacement of the hardware. Along with an improved technique for image capturing, Team 11 implemented a design for an extended arm to measure the radiation being emitted from the fuel source. This design utilizes an extremely light, strong, 6ft tube that extends from the main body of the ROV, with a counterbalance to maintain a neutrally buoyant system.
The camera housing itself is comprised of a 3D printed housing that contains the camera, mirror, lead shielding, and support extrusions. With various tests, the housing was proven to satisfy multiple design specifications with a few specifications not being satisfied due to material and physical restrictions provided with the current pandemic.
The general outcome of the project is a prototype with functioning mirror refraction video imaging and overall compact design that allows for safer inspection of underwater nuclear fuel elements. Team 11 has worked diligently to realize solutions for the problem at hand and for any discrepancies along the way. With further funding and research, the protoype can be developed into a fully functioning ROV and potentially be mass produced and sold to a larger market.
Recommended Citation
Acker, George; Bor, Daniel; Mistry, Devesh; Vargas, Pablo; and Nassersharif, Bahram, "Camera Housing and Gamma Probe Extension" (2021). Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects. Paper 180.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/mechanical-engineering-capstones/180
Comments
Team Name: Team 11, Crystal Clear
Sponsor: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Document Reference: MCE-402-011-2021