Abstract
In this thesis, we propose EcoSTS, a system for in-situ motion measurement with specific applicationto motion tracking and simulation of coastal sediments. EcoSTS consists of a collection of EcoSSG(smart sediment grains) as motion sensors and EcoSTS Commander for controlling them from a PC.An EcoSSG is a gyro-free inertial measurement unit (GF-IMU) that measures the motion of its enclosurein the form of a rock in response to wave forces, and it records the sensing data in its on-boardmemory. Its enclosure measures 4-cm in diameter and is made of ceramic material whose density resemblesthat of sand. EcoSTS Commander supports data transfer wirelessly from the EcoSSGs to thePC and data post-analysis. We implement wireless reprogramming for firmware update and batterycharging wirelessly through the enclosure. In addition, we include a magnetic switch to turn on or offthe EcoSSG without contact. EcoSTS has been tested by our collaborators in Wave Research Lab inOregon, USA. Experimental results validate the ability to track the motion of sediments with high accuracy.We expect EcoSTS to be able to help researchers in fluidic dynamics and coastal engineeringconfirm their models of sediment motion underwater for the purpose of predicting coastline evolutionand object motion in water in general.