Surge performance of an underwater vehicle with a biomimetic tendon drive propulsion system

Watts, C. M. and McGookin, E. W. (2014) Surge performance of an underwater vehicle with a biomimetic tendon drive propulsion system. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part M: Journal of Engineering for the Maritime, 228(4), pp. 315-330. (doi: 10.1177/1475090213483226)

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Abstract

This article presents a study into the forward propulsion of a free swimming, custom-built biomimetic underwater vehicle called the RoboSalmon developed at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. As the name implies, the design of this vehicle is based on the dimensions of an Atlantic salmon. It realises fish-like propulsion through a tail assembly that utilises a tendon drive actuation system driven by a single servo motor. A brief overview of the experimental hardware is given followed by a discussion of the accompanying mathematical model of the vehicle. Experimental results are presented for straight swimming trials that show the surge velocity performance of the vehicle. In the context of forward swimming, the efficiency and power consumption of the vehicle are analysed, and the adverse effect of tail recoil is discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Watts, Mr Christopher and McGookin, Dr Euan
Authors: Watts, C. M., and McGookin, E. W.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
Journal Name:Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part M: Journal of Engineering for the Maritime
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:1475-0902
ISSN (Online):2041-3084

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