Many complex mechanical systems that operate in the ocean use hydraulic actuators. Due to this harsh environment, the complex mechanical systems have to handle ever increasing friction from sea growth build up, calcareous deposits, and other environmental impacts. Typically the hydraulic actuator is located in a dry space and the hydraulic operating pressures can be monitored. However, the mechanical operating linkage is often times located in seawater and inaccessible. Normally, troubleshooting can only be accomplished by determining if the mechanical linkage is moving or not. Slow degradation of the system may not be seen until there is a stall condition at maximum hydraulic operating pressure. Monitoring of the hydraulic pressures might be able help determine alert values to pinpoint specific bearing degradation prior to stall. The objectives of this project are to develop a dynamic model of a hydraulically operated mechanical linkage to determine hydraulic pressure traces for normal operation and for troubleshooting of bearing failure modes.

Our team collaborated with Management & Engineering for Manufacturing 14 on this project.