A small packet of epoxy came included in the Sea Perch kit. This epoxy was supposed to be used to attach the metal caps that held the propellers to the metal rods that were spun by the motors. This epoxy, however, was would dissolve when in contact with chlorine, which was unacceptable due to our plans to test the submarine in a pool. We purchased marine glue that would hold up better than the epoxy in nonstandard conditions. This glue was applied to the pieces, and the propellers were tested in water. The glue wan unable to withstand the stress caused by the water resistance, and the pieces separated from each other.
To solve this problem and get the pieces attached once and for all, we decided to use solder to hold the propeller sleeves onto the motor shafts. We placed the sleeves one at a time into a vice, melted solder into them, and plunged the motor shafts into liquid solder, allowing it to cool and form a strong bond. All three propellers were then attached and tested in water. They held up to the resistance and were able to operate without fail.
Brian Bucci
Dan Stenger
Tim Kaack
Justin Goebel
James Esser
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