Dolphins as Models for Cost Efficient Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Abstract

Performance limitations of marine mammals are analogous to those faced by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). In view of this, this project evaluated key mechanisms used by an elite marine mammal, the bolllenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), to facilitate locomotor efficiency during swimming and diving. Three major mechanisms were identified, (1) intermillent propulsion during prolonged diving, (2) temporal separation of maintenance and locomotor costs, and (3) utilization of propulsion systems that permit continuous thrust production. A fourth mechanism, elastic energy storage, is under current investigation. In general, these findings suggest that cost efficiency in AUVs may be improved by incorporating intermillent duty factors into vehicle designs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA392569

Entities

People

  • Terrie M. Williams

Organizations

  • University of California, Santa Cruz

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Birds
  • Cells
  • Fish
  • Fisheries
  • Fur
  • Habitats
  • Odontocetes
  • Wildlife

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Robotics and Automation.