SWAIN, Geoffrey W.

Geoffrey W. SWAIN}

Contact Information

Professor of Oceanography and Ocean Engineering
Department of Marine and Environmental Systems
College of Engineering
Frueauff Energy Research, 127
Phone: 7129
Email: swain@fit.edu

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College of Engineering

Department of Marine and Environmental Systems

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Research & Project Interests

Dr. Swain has extensive experience in ocean-related research. He has performed marine resource studies and hydrographic surveys, and has ongoing research in the areas of corrosion and biofouling control.

Past and current projects include:

• The development of test protocol and hydrodynamic models to evaluate new generation nontoxic antifouling coatings (Office of Naval Research, Dow Corning Corporation and General Electric)

• The development of new materials for aquaculture nets (DuPont Canada)

• Corrosion and corrosion control of reinforced concrete at the Living Seas Aquarium (EPCOT, Disney World)

• The use of copper alloys in conjunction with electrochemical control to prevent the biofouling of seawater intakes to power utilities (International Copper Association Ltd.)

• Testing the properties of recycled plastics for use in coastal engineering (University of Florida)

• A survey of the tides and currents, and their effect on ship operations at Great Guana Cay, Abacos (Premier Cruise Lines)

Keywords

Marine Resource Studies
Hydraulic Surveys
Testing
Materials
Biofouling
Corrosion

Professor of Oceanography and Ocean Engineering
Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, College of Engineering

Personal Overview

2000 - 2005

1995 - 1999

1990 - 1994

1976 - 1989

Educational Background

Ph.D. Southampton University, UK

Professional Experience

Dr. Swain has an educational background in oceanography and marine biology materials engineering. He teaches a wide variety of courses including Marine Corrosion, Protection of Marine Materials, Engineering Materials, Introduction to Ocean Engineering and Application of Marine Materials. He frequently consults fundamentals of offshore engineering with industry, state and federal agencies in the fields of corrosion and biofouling control.

Prior to joining Florida Tech, he worked in the North Sea oil industry conducting corrosion and biofouling surveys on offshore structures. He also has extensive experience with designing and implementing hydrographic and marine resources studies.

Memberships include the Institute of Corrosion Science and Technology, Marine Biological Association U.K., National Association of Corrosion Engineers and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

Selected Publications

Swain, G.W.J., W.G. Nelson and S. Preedeekanit, 1998. The Influence of Biofouling Adhesion and Biotic Disturbance on the Development of Fouling Communities on Non-Toxic Surfaces. Biofouling 12(1-3): 257-269.

Swain, G.W.J. and M.P. Schultz, 1996. The Testing and Evaluation of Nontoxic Anti-fouling Coatings. Biofouling 10: 187-197.

Swain, G.W.J., J. Tabar, F. Miceli, E. Muller, 1995. The Design and Installation of a Cathodic Protection System for a Large Closed System Saltwater Aquarium. Corrosion 95, paper no. 506.

Swain, G.W.J., E. Mulles and D. Polly, 1994. A Cathodic Protection System for the Living Seas, EPCOT Centers. Materials Performance 33(10): 21-27.

Swain, G.W.J., J. Griffith, D. Bultman and H. Vincent, 1992. Barnacle Adhesion Measurements for the Field Evaluation of Candidate Antifouling Surfaces. Biofouling 6: 105-114.

Swain, G.W.J. and E. Muller, 1992. Oxygen Concentration Cells and Corrosion in a Seawater Aquarium. Corrosion 92(394).

Swain, G.W.J. and J. Patrick-Maxwell, 1990. The Effect of Biofouling on the Performance of Al-Zn-Hg Anodes. Corrosion 46(3): 256-260.