We all know humans can’t move well underwater without the assistance of fins and scuba gear. But with a little ingenuity, and some key motion control components, a 12-student team from Sussex County Technical School in N.J. was able to successfully maneuver through the high seas without so much as holding their breath.

The students designed and built a full-scale vessel for the 2007 International Submarine Race. The competition, aimed at piquing students’ interest in engineering and teaching them the importance of teamwork and time management, is held every other year and challenges students to set new world speed records while manning a full-scale submarine in an underwater course measuring 100 meters long and 22 feet deep.

The New Jersey students used DryLin T linear guide systems and igubal spherical bearings from igus Corp., East Providence, R.I., donated to them through the company’s Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program. The components were used on one the most important parts of the submarine — its propulsion system. The students used igus’ components and the technology of an exercise machine company, incorporating their upper and lower extremities to increase the craft’s speed.

To accomplish this task, the team created a “climbing-machine” mechanism to propel the submarine by positioning and mounting the DryLin T linear guide systems at a 75° angle. DryLin T enabled the operator of the vessel to create a cyclical motion using both their arms and legs. This motion, because of a specially designed gearbox built by the students, supplied the sub’s propeller with the power to move rotationally.

DryLin T is a maintenance-free, profile guide rail, dimensionally interchangeable with most traditional recirculating ball guides. Its materials are resistant to dust, dirt and water, making it ideal for the environment of the submarine. In addition to DryLin T, the team also used igubal flange bearings, which are maintenance-free, self-aligning, and require no lubrication, on various moving parts of the sub.

According to Sussex County Tech teacher and submarine-project mentor, Chris Land, “The igus components simplified our design, were easy to install, and never failed. We did not experience any binding with DryLin T and due to the great performance of all the products, my students were able to focus their energy on more important matters.”

The Sussex County Tech students, one of the only high-school-level teams to be invited to the event out of a total of 20 participating groups, placed third overall at the Race and also boasts a first place award for innovation, a highly coveted honor at the competition.