The NDRE-AUV flight control system

The flight control system of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE) is presented. A mathematical model of the vehicle is derived and discussed. The system is separated into lightly interacting subsystems, and three autopilots are designed for steering, diving, and speed control. The design of the separate controllers is based on PID techniques. Results from extensive sea testing show robust performance and stability for the autopilot     

Autopilot control synthesis for path tracking maneuvers of underwater vehicles

This paper is concerned with the robust control synthesis of autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV) for general path following maneuvers.First,we present maneuvering kinematics and vehicle dynamics in a unified framework.Based on H∞ loop-shaping procedure,the 2-DOF autopilot controller has been presented to enhance stability and path tracking.By use of model reduction,the high-order control system is reduced to one with reasonable order,and further the scaled low-order controller has been analyzed in both the frequency and the time domains.Finally,it is shown that the autopilot control system provides robust performance and stability against prescribed levels of uncertainty.     

$H_{2}$ and $H_{infty}$ Designs for Diving and Course Control of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle in Presence of Waves

$H_{2}$ and $H_{infty}$ designs applied to the diving and course control of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) considering the presence of wave disturbances are described. The six-degrees-of-freedom equations of motion of the vehicle are described as a linear model and divided into three noninteracting (or lightly interacting) subsystems for speed control, steering, and diving. This work is based on the slender form of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS, Monterey, CA) AUV, considering that the subsystems can be controlled by means of two single-screw propellers, a rudder, port and starboard bow planes, and a stern plane. A model of the AUV dynamics is presented with the first- and the second-order wave force disturbances, i.e., the Froude–Kriloff and diffraction forces. An algorithm of nonlinear regression for the rationalization of the subsurface sea spectrum is provided in this case study. The obtained results are analyzed and evaluated in the frequency domain comparing the controllers performance considering or not the inclusion of the model of waves.      

Robust control based on feedback linearization for roll stabilizing of autonomous underwater vehicle under wave disturbances

In the case of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV) navigating with low speed near water surface,a new method for design of roll motion controller is proposed in order to restrain wave disturbance effectively and improve roll stabilizing performance.Robust control is applied,which is based on uncertain nonlinear horizontal motion model of AUV and the principle of zero speed fin stabilizer.Feedback linearization approach is used to transform the complex nonlinear system into a comparatively simple linear system.For parameter uncertainty of motion model,the controller is designed with mixed-sensitivity method based on H-infinity robust control theory.Simulation results show better robustness improved by this control method for roll stabilizing of AUV navigating near water surface.     

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.     

Hydrodynamic characteristic of synthetic jet steered underwater vehicle

In this paper, the hydrodynamic characteristic of a synthetic jet steered underwater vehicle is studied. The steering motion studied is the lateral motion and the yaw motion. The lateral motion is induced through the in-phase work of this two actuators and the yaw motion is realized through the out-of-phase work. The vehicle studied is REMUS AUV with synthetic jet actuator mounted inside. The hydrodynamic characteristic of the vehicle under different cruising speed is studied. The driving parameters of the SJ actuator keep invariant in different cases. When the two actuators work in phase, the average steering force is smaller than the thrust of the isolated actuator and keeps nearly invariant under different cruising speed. When the two actuators work out of phase, the average steering moment also keeps invariant with cruising speed. The mathematical model of the additional drag of the vehicle, the thrust of the actuator, the steering force as well as the steering moment is given. The velocity distribution is also given to assistant the analysis in this paper. From the analysis given it can be known the steering method based on SJ is realized through position control other than velocity control.     

Development of A Three-Dimensional Guidance System for Long-Range Maneuvering of A Miniature Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

The present paper introduces a three-dimensional guidance system developed for a miniature Autonomous Underwater Vehicle（AUV）. The guidance system determines the best trajectory for the vehicle based on target behavior and vehicle capabilities. The dynamic model of this novel AUV is derived based on its special characteristics such as the horizontal posture and the independent diving mechanism. To design the guidance strategy, the main idea is to select the desired depth, presumed proportional to the horizontal distance of the AUV and the target. By connecting the two with a straight line, this strategy helps the AUV move in a trajectory sufficiently close to this line. The adjacency of the trajectory to the line leads to reasonably short travelling distances and avoids unsafe areas. Autopilots are designed using sliding mode controller. Two different engagement geometries are considered to evaluate the strategy＇s performance： stationary target and moving target. The simulation results show that the strategy can provide sufficiently fast and smooth trajectories in both target situations.     

Closed-loop randomized kinodynamic path planning for an autonomous underwater vehicle

A randomized kinodynamic path planning algorithm based on the incremental sampling-based method is proposed here as the state-of-the-art in this field applicable in an autonomous underwater vehicle. Designing a feasible path for this vehicle from an initial position and velocity to a target position and velocity in three-dimensional spaces by considering the kinematic constraints such as obstacles avoidance and dynamic constraints such as hard bounds and non-holonomic characteristic of AUV are the main motivation of this research. For this purpose, a closed-loop rapidly-exploring random tree (CL-RRT) algorithm is presented. This CL-RRT consists of three tightly coupled components: a RRT algorithm, three fuzzy proportional-derivative controllers for heading and diving control and a six degree-of-freedom nonlinear AUV model. The branches of CL-RRT are expanded in the configuration space by considering the kinodynamic constraints of AUV. The feasibility of each branch and random offspring vertex in the CL-RRT is checked against the mentioned constraints of AUV. Next, if the planned branch is feasible by the AUV, then the control signals and related vertex are recorded through the path planner to design the final path. This proposed algorithm is implemented on a single board computer (SBC) through the xPC Target and then four test-cases are designed in 3D space. The results of the processor-in-the-loop tests are compared by the conventional RRT and indicate that the proposed CL-RRT not only in a rapid manner plans an initial path, but also the planned path is feasible by the AUV.     

Numerical analysis of control surface effects on AUV manoeuvrability

Computational fluid dynamics, CFD, is becoming an essential tool in the prediction of the hydrodynamic efforts and flow characteristics of underwater vehicles for manoeuvring studies. However, when applied to the manoeuvrability of autonomous underwater vehicles, AUVs, most studies have focused on the determination of static coefficients without considering the effects of the vehicle control surface deflection. This paper analyses the hydrodynamic efforts generated on an AUV considering the combined effects of the control surface deflection and the angle of attack using CFD software based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes formulations. The CFD simulations are also independently conducted for the AUV bare hull and control surface to better identify their individual and interference efforts and to validate the simulations by comparing the experimental results obtained in a towing tank. Several simulations of the bare hull case were conducted to select the k–ω SST turbulent model with the viscosity approach that best predicts its hydrodynamic efforts. Mesh sensitivity analyses were conducted for all simulations. For the flow around the control surfaces, the CFD results were analysed according to two different methodologies, standard and nonlinear. The nonlinear regression methodology provides better results than the standard methodology does for predicting the stall at the control surface. The flow simulations have shown that the occurrence of the control surface stall depends on a linear relationship between the angle of attack and the control surface deflection. This type of information can be used in designing the vehicle's autopilot system.     

Stability Analysis on Speed Control System of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

The stability of the motion control system is one of the decisive factors of the control quality for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).The divergence of control,which the unstable system may be brought about,is fatal to the operation of AUV.The stability analysis of the PD and S-surface speed controllers based on the Lyapunov' s direct method is proposed in this paper.After decoupling the six degree-of-freedom (DOF) motions of the AUV,the axial dynamic behavior is discussed and the condition is deduced,in which the parameters selection within stability domain can guarantee the system asymptotically stable.The experimental results in a tank and on the sea have successfully verified the algorithm reliability,which can be served as a good reference for analyzing other AUV nonlinear control systems.     

Robust Nonlinear Path-Following Control of an AUV

This paper develops a robust nonlinear controller that asymptotically drives the dynamic model of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) onto a predefined path at a constant forward speed. A kinematic controller is first derived, and extended to cope with vehicle dynamics by resorting to backstepping and Lyapunov-based techniques. Robustness to vehicle parameter uncertainty is addressed by incorporating a hybrid parameter adaptation scheme. The resulting nonlinear adaptive control system is formally shown and it yields asymptotic convergence of the vehicle to the path. Simulations illustrate the performance of the derived controller .      

A Study on the Maneuvering Motion of a Low Speed Submersible

In this paper,the maneuvering characteristics of a low speed submersible are investigated.First,the captive model tests are carried out to obtain the hydrodynamic forces acting on the submersibleusing a Planar Motion Mechanism(PMM).For the hydrodynamic forces within a wide range of attack an-gles,the hydrodynamic coefficients which are usually used in the conventional maneuvering motion arequite difficult to be applied.In this case,a Fourier series is adopted to represent the hydrodynamic forcesand it fits the experimental data well.Then,based on the experimental results the simulation calculationsare made to predict some of the maneuvering performance of the low speed submersible.     

Multi-variable adaptive back-stepping control of submersibles using SDU decomposition

A multi-variable adaptive autopilot for the dive-plane control of submarines is designed. The vehicle is equipped with bow and stern hydroplanes for maneuvering. It is assumed that the system parameters are not known, and the disturbance force is acting on the vehicle. Based on a back-stepping design approach, an adaptive control law is derived for the trajectory control of the depth and the pitch angle. To prevent singularity in the control law, the SDU decomposition of the high-frequency gain matrix is used for the design. In the closed-loop system, asymptotic tracking of the reference depth and pitch angle trajectories is accomplished. Simulation results are presented which show that the submarine performs dive-plane maneuvers in spite of the uncertainties in the system parameters and disturbance forces.     

Trends in biorobotic autonomous undersea vehicles

The emergence of biorobotic autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) as a focus for discipline-integrated research in the context of underwater propulsion and maneuvering is considered within the confines of the Biorobotics Program in the Office of Naval Research. The significant advances in three disciplines, namely the biology-inspired high-lift unsteady hydrodynamics, artificial muscle technology and neuroscience-based control, are discussed in an effort to integrate them into viable products. The understanding of the mechanisms of delayed stall, molecular design of artificial muscles and the neural approaches to the actuation of control surfaces is reviewed in the context of devices based on the pectoral fins of fish, while remaining focused on their integrated implementation in biorobotic AUVs. A mechanistic understanding of the balance between cruising and maneuvering in swimming animals and undersea vehicles is given. All aquatic platforms, in both nature and engineering, except during short duration burst speeds that are observed in a few species, appear to lie within the condition where their natural period of oscillation equals the time taken by them to travel the distance of their own lengths. Progress in the development of small underwater experimental biorobotic vehicles is considered where the three aforementioned disciplines are integrated into one novel maneuvering device or propulsor. The potential in maneuvering and silencing is discussed.     

6 000米AUV深海试验研究

简要介绍6000米AUV的总体结构和主要功能,重点研究AUV深海试验中的无动力下潜试验和载体浮力测量试验,提出三种深海浮力测量方法。根据试验数据,通过调整载体配重,在控制特性不变的情况下,使AUV在水下航行达到能量最优。此方法是一种理论和工程实际相结合的方法,对于其它类型深水AUV试验具有指导意义。     

Adaptive depth controller design for a submerged body moving near free surface

A submerged body that moves near a free surface needs to keep its attitude and position to accomplish its missions, which are required to validate the performance of a designed controller before sea trial. Hydrodynamic maneuvering coefficients are generally obtained by experiments or computational fluid dynamics, but these coefficients suffer from uncertainty. Environmental loads such as wave excitation, current, and suction forces act on the submerged body when it moves near the free surface. Therefore, a controller for the submerged body should be robust to parameter uncertainty and environmental loads. In this paper, six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion for the submerged body are constructed. An adaptive control method based on the neural network and proportional–integral–derivative controller is used for the depth controller. Simulations are performed under various depth and environmental conditions, and the results show the effectiveness of the designed controller.     

水下自航式海洋观测平台技术发展研究

水下自航式海洋观测平台是一种新型海洋观测平台，主要用于无人、大范围、长时间水下环境监测，包括物理学参数、海洋地质学和地球物理学参数，海洋化学参数、海洋生物学参数及海洋工程方面的现场接近观测。其特点是：成本低，环境适应性强，可冲破人工潜水极限而进入现场进行接近观测，免除了ROV需要水面支援母船的累赘，减少作业经费，体积小，使用方便，便于布放回收；可根据水声信号摇控或预置程序控制，按要求进行相关项目观测；有自主动力，水下运行时间相对较长，有源噪声低，可进行隐弊观测，正是基于以上的优点，近几年颇得海洋环境监测和海军方面的青睐，本文介绍了国际上水下自动观测平台的发展历史和现状，提出了我国开展研究水下自动观测平台的重要性及研究的面容。     

Adaptive sliding mode control of autonomous underwater vehicles inthe dive plane

The problem of controlling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in a diving maneuver is addressed. Having a simple controller which performs satisfactorily in the presence of dynamical uncertainties calls for a design using the sliding mode approach, based on a dominant linear model and bounds on the nonlinear perturbations of the dynamics. Nonadaptive and adaptive techniques are considered, leading to the design of robust controllers that can adjust to changing dynamics and operating conditions. The problem of using the observed state in the control design is addressed, leading to a sliding mode control system based on input-output signals in terms of drive-phase command and depth measurement. Numerical simulations using a full set of nonlinear equations of motion show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques     

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.     

Identification-based simplified model of large container ships using support vector machines and artificial bee colony algorithm

The 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) model with a high degree of complexity for capturing ship dynamics is generally able to track the nonlinear and coupling dynamics of ships. However, the 6 DOF model makes challenges in estimating model coefficients and designing the model-based control. Therefore, simplified ship dynamic models within allowed accuracy are essential. This paper simplified the 6 DOF nonlinear dynamic model of ships into two decoupled models including the speed model and the steering model through reasonable assumptions. Those models were tested through maneuvering simulations of a container ship with a 4 DOF dynamic model. Support vector machines (SVM) optimized by the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) was used to identify parameters of speed and steering models by analyzing the rudder angle, propeller shaft speed, surge and sway velocities, and yaw rate from simulated data extracted from a series of maneuvers made by the container ship. Comparisons with the first order linear and nonlinear Nomoto models show that the simplified nonlinear steering model can capture more complicated dynamics and performs better. Additionally, comparisons among three different parameter identification methods demonstrate similar identification results but the different performance involving the applicability and effectiveness. SVM optimized by ABC is relatively convenient and effective for parameter identification of ship simplified dynamic models.