Experimental investigation of hydrodynamic force coefficients over AUV hull form

Extensive use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in oceanographic applications necessitates investigation into the hydrodynamic forces acting over an AUV hull form operating under deeply submerged condition. This paper presents a towing tank-based experimental study on forces and moment on AUV hull form in the vertical plane. The AUV hull form considered in the present program is a 1:2 model of the standard hull form Afterbody1. The present measurements were carried out at typical speeds of autonomous underwater vehicles (0.4-1.4 m/s) by varying pitch angles (0-15°). The hydrodynamic forces and moment are measured by an internally mounted multi-component strain gauge type balance. The measurements were used to study variation of axial, normal, drag, lift and pitching moment coefficients with Reynolds number (Re) and angle of attack. The measurements have also been used to validate results obtained from a CFD code that uses Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes equations (ANSYS™ Fluent). The axial and normal force coefficients are increased by 18% and 195%; drag, lift and pitching moment coefficients are increased by 90%, 182% and 297% on AUV hull form at α=15° and Re_v=3.65×10⁵. These results can give better idea for the efficient design of guidance and control systems for AUV.     

Slender-body methods for predicting ship squat

A review is made of linear slender-body methods for predicting the squat of a ship in shallow open water, dredged channels or canals. The results are summarized into a general formula based on Fourier transforms, and the method is extended to cater to stepped canals. An approximate solution for canals of arbitrary cross-section is proposed.     

多级可分离式AUV系统设计与仿真分析

多级可分离式自主水下航行器(MS-AUV)可搭载多种不同功能的载荷舱,并在目标海域完成载荷舱布放。其在海洋探测,海防等领域具有较高的应用价值。对MS-AUV进行了主体结构和分离机构的设计和研究,其中功能载荷舱与航行器本体采用真空连接方式,实现多级连接,降低了机构的复杂性,提高了载荷舱分离运动的稳定性和安全性。为了研究载荷舱与航行器分离的安全性,采用CFD和六自由度(6-DOF)刚体运动学的耦合方法来模拟其在水下的分离运动。在仿真过程中,采用弹簧光顺和局部重构混合网格生成方法的非结构化动态网格可以很好地适应大距离多体分离运动。仿真结果表明,在一定工况条件下,提高MS-AUV初始航行速度V0和分离机构弹簧刚度K有利于载荷与航行器本体分离。通过上述研究工作,验证了载荷分离方法的可行性,缩短研制周期,降低设计成本,对多级可分离式AUV样机的设计制造具有重要的参考价值。     

基于CFD船舶操纵性预报方法研究

基于CFD技术和重叠网格技术完成了黏性流场中KVLCC2船模的操纵性水动力导数的数值计算。为保证计算的精确性,进行了网格的收敛性分析,给出了合适的网格划分方法;通过数值模拟斜航运动、纯横荡运动和纯艏摇运动计算出的水动力与相应条件下的试验值对比,计算结果与试验值吻合良好,计算出的水动力导数准确度较高。基于MMG分离建模方法建立KVLCC2船模的操纵性数学模型,利用龙格-库塔算法求解微分方程组,对船舶操纵运动进行仿真。回转试验和Z形操舵试验的仿真结果与试验结果对比,其回转直径和轨迹都非常吻合,表明采用的船舶操纵性预报是可行的。     

AUV水下对接装置控制系统设计

自主式水下机器人(Autonomous Underwater Vehicle,简称AUV)在航行使命结束后需要回收至甲板或陆地进行补给和维护。为避免重复布放回收所带来的不便,根据锥形导向式回收原理,针对水下对接装置及其控制系统进行了设计。水下对接装置控制系统由水面控制终端,水下控制系统和水下外部设备等部分组成,使用超短基线引导AUV进入指定区域,在对接过程中依靠行程开关和无线电反馈的信息判断AUV的相对位置及状态,并通过驱动相应的液压机构对AUV姿态进行校正和固定,进而完成对接过程。水下对接装置在千岛湖进行了试验,在吊装水下7 m的情况下实现了AUV的水下对接,并利用湿插拔电连接器完成了对AUV的有线充电和数据上传。试验验证了对接方案的可行性以及控制系统的稳定性,为将来AUV能够进行长时间、不间断航行提供了可能。     

Numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic interaction between two underwater bodies in relative motion

The hydrodynamic interaction between an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) manoeuvring in close proximity to a larger underwater vehicle can cause rapid changes in the motion of the AUV. This interaction can lead to mission failure and possible vehicle collision. Being self-piloted and comparatively small, an AUV is more susceptible to these interaction effects than the larger body. In an aim to predict the manoeuvring performance of an AUV under the effects of the interaction, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) has conducted a series of computer simulations and captive model experiments. A numerical model was developed to simulate pure sway motion of an AUV at different lateral and longitudinal positions relative to a larger underwater vehicle using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs). The variables investigated include the surge force, sway force and the yaw moment coefficients acting on the AUV due to interaction effects, which were in turn validated against experimental results. A simplified method is presented to obtain the hydrodynamic coefficients of an AUV when operating close to a larger underwater body by transforming the single body hydrodynamic coefficients of the AUV using the steady-state interaction forces. This method is considerably less time consuming than traditional methods. Furthermore, the inverse of this method (i.e. to obtain the steady state interaction force) is also presented to obtain the steady-state interaction force at multiple lateral separations efficiently. Both the CFD model and the simplified methods have been validated against the experimental data and are capable of providing adequate interaction predictions. Such methods are critical for accurate prediction of vehicle performance under varying conditions present in real life.     

Vision-based system of AUV for an underwater pipeline tracker

This paper describes a new framework for detection and tracking of underwater pipeline,which includes software system and hardware system.It is designed for vision system of AUV based on monocular CCD camera.First,the real-time data flow from image capture card is pre-processed and pipeline features are extracted for navigation.The region saturation degree is advanced to remove false edge point group after Sobel operation.An appropriate way is proposed to clear the disturbance around the peak point in the process of Hough transform.Second,the continuity of pipeline layout is taken into account to improve the efficiency of line extraction.Once the line information has been obtained,the reference zone is predicted by Kalman filter.It denotes the possible appearance position of the pipeline in the image.Kalman filter is used to estimate this position in next frame so that the information of pipeline of each frame can be known in advance.Results obtained on real optic vision data in tank experiment are displayed and discussed.They show that the proposed system can detect and track the underwater pipeline online,and is effective and feasible.     

Object detection and tracking method of AUV based on acoustic vision

This paper describes a new framework for object detection and tracking of AUV including underwater acoustic data interpolation, underwater acoustic images segmentation and underwater objects tracking. This framework is applied to the design of vision-based method for AUV based on the forward looking sonar sensor. First, the real-time data flow (underwater acoustic images) is pre-processed to form the whole underwater acoustic image, and the relevant position information of objects is extracted and determined. An improved method of double threshold segmentation is proposed to resolve the problem that the threshold cannot be adjusted adaptively in the traditional method. Second, a representation of region information is created in light of the Gaussian particle filter. The weighted integration strategy combining the area and invariant moment is proposed to perfect the weight of particles and to enhance the tracking robustness. Results obtained on the real acoustic vision platform of AUV during sea trials are displayed and discussed. They show that the proposed method can detect and track the moving objects underwater online, and it is effective and robust.     

水下自航行观测平台开放式同步实时测量系统设计与实现

针对多传感器测量系统中存在的同步、实时测量不容易实现的问题,提出了解决方案。基于开放式、面向任务、模块化设计思想,设计并实现了实时数据采集系统的硬件结构和软件系统。研究并实现了基于I2C总线的多路传感器控制系统,描述了开放式应用控制协议的设计。介绍了主控制器端和传感器控制端软件结构及其实现。实现了多传感器测量任务并发执行,保证了各个传感器测量数据的实时性和有效性。     

悬停式AUV控制策略研究

以悬停式AUVMM-01为试验平台,设计一种基于行为的控制体系结构。将AUV的行为划分为漫游、巡航和避障三个基本行为,并将模糊控制引入避障行为中,通过基于优先级的仲裁方式实现三种行为的有序协调,完成预定任务。同时,针对AUV的悬停需求,提出了增加内环速度反馈实现AUV稳定悬停的控制方法,定义一种新的高层自治控制系统与底层运动控制系统的接口。最后,通过建立整个系统的Simulink仿真模型,验证了该控制策略的有效性。     

Maneuvering modeling and simulation of AUV dynamic systems with Euler-Rodriguez quaternion method

The purpose of this study is to develop maneuvering models and systems of a simulator to improve the motion performance of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) at the preliminary design stages in advance. The AUVs simulation systems based on the standard submarine equations of motion in six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) integrated with the Euler-Rodriguez quaternion method for representing singularity-free AUV attitude and time-saving calculation, and with a nonlinear control model for maneuvering and depth control simulations, time-marching in the fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme. For validation of the simulation codes, results of the ISiMI AUV open-loop tests including turning test and zigzag test as well as an AUV simulator on the basis of Euler-angle method were used to compare with the quaternion-based AUV simulator. The computational results from the proposed simulator agree well with those from both the ISiMI AUV experiments and the Euler-angle based simulations. Additionally, a new maneuvering procedure, namely "put-out" was implemented to test directional stability for a large-scale AUV in the proposed AUV simulator that can be considered for vehicles in space as well as in constrained planes.     

State-dependent Riccati equation-based robust dive plane control of AUV with control constraints

The paper treats the question of suboptimal dive plane control of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) using the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique. The SDRE method provides an effective mean of designing nonlinear control systems for minimum as well as nonminimum phase AUV models. It is assumed that the hydrodynamic parameters of the nonlinear vehicle model are imprecisely known, and in order to obtain a practical design, a hard constraint on control fin deflection is imposed. The problem of depth control is treated as a robust nonlinear output (depth) regulation problem with constant disturbance and reference exogenous signals. As such an internal model of first-order fed by the tracking error is constructed. A quadratic performance index is chosen for optimization and the algebraic Riccati equation is solved to obtain a suboptimal control law for the model with unconstrained input. For the design of model with fin angle constraints, a slack variable is introduced to transform the constrained control input problem into an unconstrained problem, and a suboptimal control law is designed for the augmented system using a modified performance index. Using the center manifold theorem, it is shown that in the closed-loop system, the system trajectories are regulated to a manifold (called output zeroing manifold) on which the depth tracking error is zero and the equilibrium state is asymptotically stable. Simulation results are presented which show that effective depth control is accomplished in spite of the uncertainties in the system parameters and control fin deflection constraints.     

Cross-track control of a slender, underactuated AUV using potential shaping

The three-dimensional directional stabilization problem is addressed for a slender autonomous underwater vehicle with three inputs: thrust, pitch moment, and yaw moment. The control law reshapes potential energy through feedback. Conditions for asymptotic stability are derived by applying Lyapunov's direct method to a control Lyapunov function constructed from the control-modified energy and other conserved quantities. Analysis proves asymptotic stability and suggests almost global convergence. The dynamic model requires minimal assumptions concerning the viscous force and moment, resulting in a directional controller that is inherently robust to uncertainty in these effects. The directional control algorithm is then extended by incorporating a line-of-sight guidance rule to enable cross-track control, or line following, although the extension requires an additional control moment about the roll axis. Spectral stability analysis provides sufficient conditions for local exponential stability and numerical simulations suggest that stability is almost globally asymptotic.     

Analysis on the controlled nonlinear motion of a test bed AUV–SNUUV I

This paper describes the estimation of hydrodynamic coefficients and the control algorithm based on a nonlinear mathematical modeling for a test bed autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named by SNUUV I (Seoul National University Underwater Vehicle I).A six degree of freedom mathematical model for SNUUV I is derived with linear and nonlinear hydrodynamic coefficients, which are estimated with the help of a potential code and also the system identification using multi-variable regression.A navigation algorithm is developed using three ranging sonars, pressure sensor and two inclinometers keeping towing tank applications in mind. Based on the mathematical model, a simulation program using a model-based control algorithm is designed for heading control and wall following control of SNUUV I.It is demonstrated numerically that the navigation system together with controller guides the vehicle to follow the desired heading and path with a sufficient accuracy. Therefore the model-based control algorithm can be designed efficiently using the system identification method based on vehicle motion experiments with the appropriate navigation system.     

浮式生产储油船振动噪声混合数值预报

建立了可覆盖全频域的浮式生产储油船(FPSO,floating production storage and offloading)工作环境下振动噪声混合数值预报技术流程。将声学计算基本理论方法(有限元/边界元方法与统计能量法)应用于宽频带多噪声源的海洋工程船舶设计中,为设计能保证人员正常进行生产、生活噪声环境下的FPSO提供指导,满足国内船舶设计部门对该技术的迫切需要。文中采用声学边界元求解了FPSO上层建筑低中频域振动噪声,采用统计能量分析方法求解了高频域振动噪声,通过两种方法接力运用和不同模型间的顺利转换,实现了FPSO声学问题全频域分析。并讨论了各类方法的适用范围。     

Transparent boundary condition for simulating nonlinear water waves by a particle method

Open boundaries are important when simulating water waves. In this study, a transparent boundary condition at an open boundary was developed for simulating nonlinear water waves propagating to a distant area using the Moving Particle Semi-implicit method. The novelty of this study is that the technique of wave analysis used in the experiment was introduced into the particle simulation to absorb incident waves; the simulation cost was reduced by employing inflow and outflow regions instead of a long dissipation region. Incident waves in front of the boundary were evaluated using Fourier analysis, and the particles on the transparent boundary were forced to move at the velocity of the analytical solution for Stokes waves in order to absorb the incident waves. The analysis was restricted to periodic waves. Wave propagation was simulated for two wave periods using the developed transparent boundary condition. The results showed that this transparent boundary transmitted the incident waves with small reflection and the simulation cost was lower than that for wave damping by a conventional highly viscous region.     

Numerical simulation of water flooding into a damaged vessel’s compartment by the volume of fluid method

When a vessel is damaged, seawater floods into the damaged compartments and subsequently influences the motion of the vessel. Furthermore, the vessel’s behaviour affects the floodwater motion. In this paper, a Navier-Stokes (NS) solver with a free surface capturing technique, i.e., the volume of fluid (VOF) method, was developed to numerically simulate water flooding into a damaged vessel. To verify the developed solver, a 2-D and a 3-D dam break problems were tested. The numerical results coincide well with the experimental results and with the published numerical results. Additionally, it was used to solve the problems of linear and non-linear liquid sloshing in a hexahedral tank. The numerical results are satisfactory in comparison with the experimental results and analytical solutions. Finally, the phenomenon of water flooding into a damaged compartment of a Ro-Ro ferry was simulated numerically. The computed results are in good agreement with the experimental data.     

A finite element method for dynamic analysis of long slender marine structures under combined parametric and forcing excitations

This paper presents a numerical analysis of lateral responses of a long slender marine structure under combined parametric and forcing excitations. In the development of the 3-D numerical program, a finite element method is implemented in the time domain using the Newmark constant acceleration method. Some example studies are performed for various water depths, environmental conditions and vessel motions. The relative amplitudes of combined excitations to a conventional forcing excitation are examined. The response amplitude of a combined excitation is much greater than that of a forcing excitation in the even number of instability regions of the Mathieu stability chart. The results demonstrate that a combined excitation needs to be considered for the accurate dynamic analysis of long slender marine structures subjected to a surface vessel motion.     

Development of the AUV ‘ISiMI’ and a free running test in an Ocean Engineering Basin

The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) has developed a small AUV named ISiMI. The mission of ISiMI is to work as a test-bed AUV for the development and validation of various algorithms and instruments required to enhance the AUV's functions. The design concept of ISiMI is that of a vehicle small enough to cruise the Ocean Engineering Basin (OEB) of KORDI and to be handled by one or two people. The downsized design and the cruising ability in its tank enable fast experimental feedback on AUV technologies and a shorter development period for new technologies. This paper presents a review of our research work on the development of ISiMI, with a performance evaluation by simulation and an experimental test. After the design and implementation of ISiMI, including its positioning system in the OEB, are presented, a series of test results in the OEB and discussions of the results are presented, with comparisons of the simulation and experimental outputs.