Description
At the faculty of Mechanical Engineering, a dedicated research facility enables the development of underwater technologies in controlled conditions. Here, researchers can recreate complex environments, test new systems and prepare them for real world deployment.
One example is an underwater robot equipped with sensors, designed to inspect anchor chains that secure offshore platforms. Instead of using cameras, the robot listens. Ultrasonic sensors capture acoustic signals inside the steel, where corrosion, rust and microscopic cracks each produce their own distinct sound. By detecting these signals early, damage can be identified long before it becomes visible.
Tested both in this facility and in real offshore conditions in Brazil, this approach opens up new possibilities for continuous, reliable monitoring of critical infrastructure, even in the harshest maritime environments.
🚢More about Transport & Mobility research https://www.tudelft.nl/me/onderzoek/transport-mobility
🧑🏻🏫Related Bachelor programme https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/bachelors/maritieme-techniek/bsc-maritieme-techniek
🎓Related Master Programme https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/masters/mt/msc-marine-technology