Study Materials
Explorers are encouraged to use these study materials as starting points for self-guided learning of concepts that interest them. These study materials are not comprehensive, and focus on providing introductory resources related to topics covered during meetings.
Alviso
- Alviso Salt Works
- San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project Fact Sheet May 2023
- South Bay Salt Pond Report
- South Bay Salt Pond Report Map
US Navy Resources
Surveying and Navigation
Electricity and Electronics
- Jacob's Ladder
- DC Motors
- Squirrel Cage vs Wound Rotor Motors
- Rotors are the moving components of electromagnetic motors.
- Stators are the non-rotating components of electromagnetic motors.
- Commutators are switches in electrical motors that periodically reverse the current direction to produce torque (rotating force).
Engineering
- Magnetic Balancer
- Basics of Balancing 101 by Balance Technology Institute
- Methods of Correcting Balance by WBD Group
- Components of engine and propulsion systems
- Ignition and spark plugs
- Air intake and exhaust (exhaust appears more discolored from heat and combustion byproducts)
- Varying quantities of propellers (1, 2, 3, 4)
Materials and Chemistry
- Thermal Spraying can be used to evenly reapply material to a worn/damaged surface to repair it. For example, a damaged propeller blade could be repaired by thermal spraying to restore the surface and balanced distribution of material throughout the blade structure.