Innovative Energy-Saving Propulsion System for Low-Speed Biomimetic Underwater Vehicles

Abstract

This article covers research on an innovative propulsion system design for a Biomimetic Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (BUUV) operating at low speeds. The experiment was conducted on a laboratory test water tunnel equipped with specialised sensor equipment to assess the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) and energy consumption of two different types of propulsion systems. The experimental data contrast the undulating with the drag-based propulsion system. The additional joint in the drag-based propulsion system is intended to increase thrust and decrease energy input. The tests were conducted at a variety of fins oscillation frequencies and fluid velocities. The experiments demonstrate that, in the region of low-speed forward movement, the efficiency of the propulsion system with the additional joint is greater.

Keywords

• Biomimetic Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (BUUV)
• fish-like movement
• underwater robotics
• energy efficiency
• Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)
• undulating propulsion