Making a Better Suction Cup

Abstract

Our project sponsor, Professor Alex Shorter and his research team at ESTAR Lab, designs bio-logging tags for the purpose of tracking the dynamics and behaviors of cetaceans, such as whales or dolphins, in their marine habitats. Currently our sponsor utilizes suction cups to attach the bio-logging tags to whales for data collection. The tags create hydrostatic forces when attached to these mammals, potentially resulting in premature suction cup detachment and adverse effects on the well-being, behavior and energetics of the mammals. An experimental approach, including testing and analyses performed on the suction cups, will aid in design improvement and ultimately increase our understanding of suction cup parameters to achieve better overall cup performance.