Proposal Number: 1015828 Institution: University of Delaware PI: W. Byam Co-PI: [None]
This proposal requests four Shipboard Scientific Support items for the University of Delaware for use aboard the R/V HUGH R. SHARP; namely up-grades to the CTD handing system, a new 70hp outboard for the vessel?s work boat, design for a new (aft) side load handling system, and noise treatments for the active anti-roll fins. All items will either enhance safety or provide greatly improved support capabilities to science.
Broader Impact and Intellectual Merit: The PI addressed the Broader Impact and Intellectual Merit of the proposed equipment specifically for the R/V HUGH R. SHARP. The research projects supported have been individually peer-reviewed for scientific merit. During operations, these vessels routinely expose graduate and undergraduate students to seagoing oceanography. Specifically, College of Marine and Earth Studies participates in a large number of outreach programs including open house events (Coast Day), participation the MATE program, and educational cruises. The College also hosts the UNOLS East Coast Van Pool. The R/V HUGH R. SHARP is scheduled to support 77 NSF-funded days in CY 2010.
(SSSE) 2010 This Project Outcome Report is for the National Science Foundation Award Number 1015828, the Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment (SSSE) 2010 for science support equipment aboard the R/V Hugh R. Sharp. The request included a replacement outboard for the ship’s small boat, upgrades to the Caley CTD Overboarding System, noise treatment for the new ship stabilizer system and design of a ship’s side frame for overboard deployments out of the ship’s prop wash. A new 90 horsepower Honda was purchased at a cost less than the estimate for a 75 horse power unit. A center console, steering system, other wiring and electronics were also purchased and installed by the ship’s crew. Rapp Hydema was chosen to provide service and support for the R/V Sharp CTD deployment system. A service call was scheduled and two Rapp technicians attended the vessel for 4 days. All synthetic bushings were replaced with bronze fittings that provide a lubrication fitting. The hydraulic cylinders were repaired and rebuilt, and several ball joints were replaced. The entire system was inspected and options determined for conversion from a Caley built system to a Rapp Hydema system were discussed. After this service, it was determined that a stainless steel docking head would provide better service for this application. The old steel docking head was removed and shipped to Rapp Hydema in Seattle, Washington. A new stainless steel docking head was built to the same dimensions and returned to Lewes. The ship’s crew installed the unit and it continues to provide excellent service. This improvement was funded in the SSSE 2011 proposal, but all funds that remained in the SSSE 2010 were used to make a partial payment on this docking head. The balance was funded through SSSE 2011. While in the 2010 shipyard additional funds were expended for improve noise reduction due to the installation of the Naiad Stabilizer System. This included pulsation dampers and flexible line connections between the hydraulic power units and the actuators. Bay Marine was utilized to contact vendors and provide a design concept for a side frame that would be compatible with the aft deck layout and conform to future Appendix B requirements. A design was chosen and submitted in our SSSE 2011 proposal. These improvements and repairs help to keep the R/V Hugh R. Sharp operating in the most state of the art and advanced technical condition. The outboard and small boat has been used by several science groups for sampling in areas not accessible to the ship. The CTD system is a vital component on every cruise utilized at almost every science station. The R/V Sharp was designed to be acoustically quiet and the noise improvements help maintain that status. The designed side frame was funded in the SSSE 2012 and is being built by Rapp Hydema, Washington State. All funds designated for this award were utilized.
