This week with the Alvin team gave me a chance to show off some of my mechanical skills. First, I was given the task of refitting the backing plate onto the pilot controls in the sphere. The plate that I was given had overlapping edges and the mounting needed some modification as well. To fit the plate, I marked and filed down the edges to the desired shape and size. I drilled holes in the plate for the mounting screws and then had to drill out and tap the mounts to the correct size for the screws used. Once all modifications were complete, the plate was a perfect fit; no overlapping or rough edges, and all mounting holes aligned without issue.
My next task for the week involved the motor controller bottles or motor pods. These pods are what holds the electronic control equipment for the thrusters. Inside the pods are multiple boards each with a variety of connectors running different circuits within the motor controller. During testing, the electrical team lead found that some of the wires were beginning to break off the pins in the connectors. I set up a little repair station and spent a day going through each of the pods and replacing the pins in the connectors to repair the damaged ones and prevent any others from separating. By doing this I learned the differences between the styles of connectors we use, which are Molex and c-grid, and the tooling used for each specific brand. This type of electrical work will carry over into my usual job after my internship as well as into my schooling when we get to any hands-on lab work with electronics.
To ensure the safety of the Alvin team members and scientists in the sub during a dive, the group adheres to a Navy safety standard for certain components. These components are specified by something called the Scope of Certification or SOC. To work on and install any of the parts that are designated SOC, the person performing the work must be SOC certified. Part of the repair and inspection process includes verifying that the components meet all specified requirements listed in the SOC Notebook, the use of SOC specific tooling with current calibration (if the tool can be calibrated), and the completion of varying forms and tags which gives each part an easy to track paper trail. This involved an hour-long class and an open book test. This week I was able to attend the class, complete my test, and receive my SOC cert. I am now able to perform work within the scope as well as complete and submit the involved forms. My first task on SOC components was cleaning the connectors and connecting the wiring for the frangibolts. Frangibolts are a specific brand of what used to be known as an exploding nut and are most commonly used in aerospace applications. These nut/bolt combos are designed to physically break and separate to allow components to be released and dropped when electronically triggered to do so. For the sub, this means releasing components in the case of an emergency, such as, letting go of a thruster or manipulator arm that has gotten physically caught up or tangled that could prevent the sub from resurfacing. There is also a frangibolt that will release the emergency buoy when needed. Though small, these components are vital for the safety of the team.
Each the day the Alvin gets closer to completion and the anticipation to see the final product continues to grow. Getting to initial the official paperwork for the frangibolts gave documented proof of my contribution which, for me, was a proud moment. I am still loving my time here with WHOI and am proud to be a part of this amazing team. As always, I look forward to what the next week brings. 
