Date of Award
1-1-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering
Department
Ocean Engineering
First Advisor
Brennan Phillips
Abstract
Deep-sea research and exploration have consistently been inaccessible to a broader oceanographic community due to the lack of affordable technology and resources that are required for this type of work. Traditionally, to investigate the deep sea, large research vessels are required to operate the expensive and massive equipment that can withstand the intense pressure and harsh environment beyond 200 meters of water. Not only does this lessen the capacity for exploring the deep sea but it also introduces an extreme inequity for who can participate and lead these efforts. With a growing demand for the global Blue Economy and a dire need for the protection of the world’s oceans, there has been a recent push for Accessible Ocean Technology (AOT). In this case, the term accessible encompasses a holistic approach that includes consideration for cost, deployment/recovery methods, vessel requirements, maintainability, user friendliness, and part availability. The work presented in this dissertation aims to further the initiative of AOT by utilizing rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing. This includes the design and validation of two novel systems, a liquid-filled camera and timed mechanical release system, that rely on 3D printing and cost-effective, commercially available components. There is also a study on the strength of various 3D printed materials for use in pressure vessels. All of the mechanical designs and programming are available open source to promote collaboration and improved iterations on these systems.
Recommended Citation
Motsenbocker, Breanna, "DEMOCRATIZING DEEP-SEA TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT USING RAPID PROTOTYPING TECHNIQUES" (2025). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 4464.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/4464
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