Testing Procedures

The purpose of completing this project, for our team, is not only to help horseshoe crabs as an entire species, but we are also building this tank for the Seniors in the Class of 2015 and beyond to use in MAST's Oceanography course. A successful tank will be able to raise at least 20% of the 100 horseshoe crabs which will be placed in the tank, while also benefitting the scientific community by advancing our knowledge of the species. A complete system - which includes Mr. Trimble's water and nutrient systems - will be constructed and implemented, and if the entire system can constantly and consistently maintain flow of the necessary nutrients and water while also maintaining a stable connection throughout the tank the solution will be considered a success. (more information can be found about the functions of the tank here)

Throughout the process of this project the design of the tank will undergo many tests to ensure the best product is created. Starting at the beginning the four alternate designs will be compared to find the best solution. From this decision there will be tests comparing materials, water volume sizes, substrate choices, system integration with Mr. Trimble's systems, as well as the final test of the solution once construction has taken place and the tank is ready to be used. Most of these tests will be performed by myself along with the rest of the team, but along the line my mentors will be assisting in the tests and the final solution will be tested during implementation of the tank by the Oceanography class next year. In general, these tests will take place in the Systems Engineering II classroom with exceptions being any time emails are sent and the final solution which will happen in the NOAA lab on Sandy Hook.

Testing Type: Comparison
Testing Stage: Preliminary
State of Solution: Alternate Solutions
Condition of Testing Stage: Preconstruction on paper
Tools and Equipment: the drawings of solutions

Testing Procedures:
1. Lay out the four designs
2. Using the specifications, compare the designs
3. Decide which solution best fulfills the specifications


Testing Type: Exploratory
Testing Stage: Preliminary
State of Solution: Paper drawing
Condition of Testing Stage: Preconstruction on paper
Tools and Equipment: drawing, mentor, future user

Testing Procedures:
1. Set up a meeting with the Oceanography teacher at MAST
2. Show her the drawing of current solution
3. Ensure design incorporates all necessary design aspects and fulfills the needs of the project
4. Make changes as necessary


Testing Type: Validation
Testing Stage: Preliminary
State of Solution: Dimension Specific Drawing
Condition of Testing Stage: Preconstruction on paper
Tools and Equipment: drawing, Mr. Trimble's drawing, Mr. Trimble

Testing Procedures:
1. Meet with Mr. Trimble and compare drawings
2. Ensure the measurements of the two drawings completely integrate
3. Alter as needed


Testing Type: Exploratory
Testing Stage: Secondary
State of Solution: Drawings and Research
Condition of Testing Stage: Materials
Tools and Equipment: Notes on materials, possibly samples of materials

Testing Procedures:
1. Compare possible materials among each other
2. Using information gathered, decide which materials would best accomplish the needs of the tank to ensure stability and usability


Testing Type: Assessment
Testing Stage: Secondary
State of Solution: CAD Drawing
Condition of Testing Stage: Preconstruction
Tools and Equipment: CAD Drawings, project specifications

Testing Procedures:
1. Compare the current solution with the specifications of the project
2. Going down the list, look at the details of the tank to make sure each specification is fulfilled


Testing Type: Assessment
Testing Stage: Tertiary
State of Solution: Post Construction Non-implemented
Condition of Testing Stage: Dry and Empty
Tools and Equipment: constructed tank, specifications, weights, water

Testing Procedures:
1. Examine the constructed tank to ensure the pieces are sturdy
2. Test all joints for leaks
3. Apply pressure to ensure the joints will hold under the pressure of the water, sand, and crabs.


Testing Type: Validation
Testing Stage: Final
State of Solution: Completed
Condition of Testing Stage: Implemented, containing crabs, water and sand
Tools and Equipment: full tank, all materials

Testing Procedures:
1. Completely implement all variables in the tank
2. Observe how the crabs begin to integrate into their new environment
3. Decide if the tank is working as needed, if not halt all processes and return the crabs to their holding tank

Survey for Assessment:
1. Do the 100 crabs fit comfortably?
2. Are scientists benefitting from the use of the tank?
3. Is the environment of the tank similar to the current state of the natural environment of the horseshoe crabs?
4. Is the tank holding stably?
5. Is the water connection water tight and properly fitted?
6. Is the water flowing constantly?
7. Are any of the parts being negatively effected by the salt water?
8. Are the horseshoe crabs healthy?
9. How clean is the tank overall?