OCE-RIG: Hydrodynamics of Flexible Ribbon-Fin Propulsion for Highly Maneuverable Research Vessels

自主水下航行器(AUV)正在改变我们探索海洋的方式，允许在各种海洋条件下进行更长时间的探索。基于生物的设计可以提高未来AUV的机动性和效率，尤其是柔性带鳍推进，对于高度机动的飞行器来说是一种理想的推进机制。然而，对加长鳍推进的流体动力学、流体-鳍相互作用和操纵仍知之甚少。本文的研究结果将为研究柔性带状鳍基推进在不同机动过程中的水动力性能提供依据。两名学生，一名研究生和一名本科生，将获得该奖项的资助，研究可能的带状鳍推进设计。首席研究员还将向参加当地海洋科学夏令营项目的一群K-12岁的学生介绍这项研究，并开发一门新的研究生和本科课程，重点放在海洋探索、生物学、水下机器人设计和流体力学的广泛背景下的动物运动流体动力学。这项工作将以机器人鳍为模型研究柔性波动带状鳍的流体动力学。具体而言，其目的是：1)研究柔性和形态对流体力学性能的影响；2)研究流动结构、推进效率和驱动控制之间的相互关系；3)研究操纵和流动控制。该系列实验将包括使用粒子图像测速仪(PIV)测量鳍运动学、推进力和流动测量。这些实验将在佛罗里达大西洋大学的流体力学实验室进行。

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are transforming the way we explore the ocean, allowing longer explorations in a variety of ocean conditions. Biological-based designs could enhance the mobility and efficiency of future AUV's. In particular, flexible ribbon-fin propulsion represents an ideal propulsion mechanism for highly maneuverable vehicles. However, the hydrodynamics, fluid-fin interaction and maneuvers using elongated fin propulsion are still poorly understood. The outcome of this research will provide insights into the hydrodynamics of flexible ribbon fin-base propulsion during different maneuvers. Two students, one graduate student and one undergraduate, will be supported by this award to research possible ribbon-fin propulsion designs. The principal investigator will also present the research to a group of K-12 students participating in a local ocean science camp program and develop a new graduate and undergraduate course that will focus on the hydrodynamics of animal locomotion in the broad context of ocean exploration, biology, underwater vehicle design and fluid mechanics.This work will study the hydrodynamics of a flexible undulating ribbon fin using a robotic fin as a model. In particular, the objectives are: 1) examine the effect of flexibility and morphology in the hydrodynamics performance, 2) investigate the interconnection of flow structure, propulsion efficiency and actuation control, and 3) study maneuvers and flow control. The series of experiments will include measurement of fin kinematics, propulsive forces, and flow measurements using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The experiments will be performed at the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at Florida Atlantic University.