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Design and Formulation of a Hydromechanical Fin for AUV Operations and Wave Parameter Estimation

Brendan M. Unikewicz

Abstract

Ocean dynamics play a crucial role in global climate, ecosystems, and human activities, necessitating accurate and efficient methods to characterize ocean currents and waves. This paper presents the development of a novel bio-inspired hydrofoil system for detecting and characterizing ocean currents and waves based on a dolphin's flipper foil design. The prototype's performance was assessed through controlled experiments, demonstrating the system's ability to quickly and accurately orientate itself in the direction of flow. Wave mechanics and a geometric proof were applied to estimate wave parameters such as wave height and current from the hydrofoil's positioning. The proposed hydrofoil system shows potential for use in various marine applications, including oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, and navigation. The bio-inspired hydrofoil system offers a promising approach to ocean current and wave characterization, with the potential to significantly impact our understanding and monitoring of ocean dynamics without greatly impacting vehicle performance or increasing power utilization in operation.

Design and Formulation of a Hydromechanical Fin for AUV Operations and Wave Parameter Estimation

Abstract

Ocean dynamics play a crucial role in global climate, ecosystems, and human activities, necessitating accurate and efficient methods to characterize ocean currents and waves. This paper presents the development of a novel bio-inspired hydrofoil system for detecting and characterizing ocean currents and waves based on a dolphin's flipper foil design. The prototype's performance was assessed through controlled experiments, demonstrating the system's ability to quickly and accurately orientate itself in the direction of flow. Wave mechanics and a geometric proof were applied to estimate wave parameters such as wave height and current from the hydrofoil's positioning. The proposed hydrofoil system shows potential for use in various marine applications, including oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, and navigation. The bio-inspired hydrofoil system offers a promising approach to ocean current and wave characterization, with the potential to significantly impact our understanding and monitoring of ocean dynamics without greatly impacting vehicle performance or increasing power utilization in operation.
Paper Structure (15 sections, 12 equations, 7 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 15 sections, 12 equations, 7 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Design of a Foil Prototype
  3. Effective Drag in AUV Systems
  4. Theoretical Approach to Reducing Effective Drag
  5. DAQ Software Design
  6. Complete System Design
  7. Assessing Prototype Capabilities
  8. Experimental Setup
  9. Experimental Results
  10. Formulations for Wave Parameter Estimation
  11. Application of Wave Mechanics
  12. Geometric Proof for Particle Trajectory Estimation
  13. Conclusion
  14. Acknowledgements
  15. Appendix

Figures (7)

  • Figure 1: CAD model of the symmetric dolphin-inspired foil. The cross-shaped exclusion indicates where the servo motor is fitted, in-line with the center of gravity. Hot-wire anemometers fit in each rectangular slot on the fin platform and wires are funneled through the trailing edge.
  • Figure 2: Experimental testing setup; top-down view.
  • Figure 3: Output data from assessing the prototype capabilities featuring: the calibrated anemometer readings (top), the heading position in degrees (middle), and the percent difference between the two anemometer readings (bottom).
  • Figure 4: Proposed wave estimation diagram for a flow-orienting fin mounted to an AUV for deep-water ocean waves.
  • Figure 5: Complete in-air prototype hydrofoil for unidirectional flow-sensing featuring the electronic components utilized and 3-D printed CAD model.
  • ...and 2 more figures