An Experimental Study of the Response of Small Tunnel Thrusters to Triangular and Square Wave Inputs

Abstract

The response of small tunnel thrusters to triangular and square wave changes in applied voltages to the thruster motor is studied. Previous mathematical models have attempted to identify the dynamic characteristics in thruster responses in order to minimize limit cycling in underwater vehicle position control. These experiments validate the effect of fluid inertia in the tunnel for long and shorter period commands. Additionally, the presence of a transient lag between changes in propeller speed and affected water column velocity has been identified which delays and reduces the transient peak thrust for shorter period triangular waves and square wave input signals.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA261721

Entities

People

  • Steven E. Cody

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
  • Differential Equations
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Experimental Data
  • Instrumentation
  • Load Cells
  • Mathematical Models
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Naval Architecture
  • Propellers
  • Reduction Gears
  • Remotely Piloted Vehicles
  • Test Equipment
  • Test Stands
  • Underwater Vehicles

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Marine Hydrodynamics

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers