Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

In an effort to address significant drawbacks that are presented from traditional underwater propulsion devices such as high costs, heavy designs, complicated setups, limited accessibility for divers, surfers, and small boat enthusiasts, Team 23 was given the task to make their own module that would address these challenges and satisfy various design requirements to ultimately offer a unique improved solution.

This final design report sums up the work of Team 23 throughout their entire research, brainstorming, testing, and overall iterative development of an underwater jet propulsion module during the entirety of the 2024-2025 academic year. The overarching goal of this project was to develop a module with versatile thrust capabilities for various marine applications, such as propelling a surfboard, a diver, or a small fishing boat. This report documents the entire work and offers a detailed inside look into the activities that spanned the entire project development, including the design, production, and final product and results during the academic year.

In the pursuit of finding the optimal solution, the team completed extensive research, brainstorming and concept design sessions to refine ideas. With the help of analytical tools such as Gantt charts, Pugh charts, competitive analysis, rigorous engineering analysis and various testing, the group systematically reached a final concept generation. The proposed concept is believed by the group, to satisfy all design requirements within the offered budget. This report takes us through the methodologies, decision-making process and research intricacies to help visualize the evolution of the concept.

With the help of techniques such as SolidWorks 3D software, Abaqus FEA analysis, 3D printing, and extensive real world water testing, the group was able to bring to life their ideal design. In the end, Team 23 was able to successfully satisfy all requirements while staying within their specified budget of $500 for their entire project sponsored by Dr. Bahram Nassersharif. Some of the most notable accomplishments include 21.62 lbf of thrust, a fully waterproof design, potential modularity in less than 10 seconds, all while maintaining a reasonable maximum runtime of 12 mins at 100% throttle.

With the project timeline coming soon to a close Team 23 reflects on their accomplishments, lessons learned, and milestones that led to the development of their unique SharkJet module design in this report. The experience provided each member of the team with an unforgettable exposure that will follow and support them in their future engineering careers that extend far beyond this project. It gave each person a special insight into engineering problem-solving, the importance of teamwork, and an extensive look at the iterative development process that is the foundation of nearly every product we all use and enjoy today.

Comments

Team Name: Team 23

Sponsor: Bahram Nassersharif

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-023-2025

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