Using Design-Build-Test Cycles to Demonstrate Free UUV Propulsion in a Karman Vortex Street Using a Flexible Body
Abstract
This thesis explored the possibility of a flexible synthetic body undergoing passive synchronization with a von Karman wake to generate propulsive thrust without expending any energy. The experiments conducted for this thesis were performed in a recirculating water tunnel and used flexible synthetic bodies made from Ecoflex 00-10 silicone rubber. Calibration of the water tunnel and a load cell used for force measurements were performed prior to testing. The research effort completed five design-build-test cycles. The iterative cycles demonstrated a quick and inexpensive fabrication process, showed that the silicone rubber material used had sufficient flexibility to synchronize, discovered that direct interaction between the flexible body and passing vortices is not able to produce flapping motion in the synthetic body, and suggested that the rotation of the front portion of the body is a key factor for passive wake synchronization and thrust generation to occur. Any role that lateral translation of the body plays in the synchronization process still needs to be explored in future efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224992
Entities
People
- Devon L. Florendo
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School