User manual

Table Of Contents
Chapter 2
Mechanical Description
This chapter describes and illustrates the mechanical components of the MMP.
Frame, Skin and Front Plate
All components of the frame are machined from white, ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMW). UHMW provides strength without a buoyancy penalty. The primary
structural member of the frame is the front plate. Oval ribs are mounted on the inner side of the
plate and extend to the back of the profiler. The structure is stiffened with four columns of frame
spacer posts. Two braces maintain the right angle between the front plate and the ribs.
NOTE
UHMW is abrasion-resistant, however, dragging the MMP can mark the skin and frame.
Upper Guide Wheel Lower Guide Wheel
Drive Motor
Motor Spring
CTDACM
Upper
Cable
Retainer
Lower
Cable
Retainer
Figure 2-1: MMP Front Plate View
The faired skin and end caps that give the MMP low drag shape are made from high-
visibility yellow, medium density polyethylene. The shape of the MMP and where it is attached
to the mooring cable make the MMP self-aligning; the sting of the acoustic current meter (ACM)
always points into the flow.
2-1