A single propulsion paradigm for unmanned amphibious vehicles from sea to shore
Abstract
This project evaluates the ability of a vibrationally-actuated propulsor to move from a water surface to a granular surface in a model shore using experiments. Autonomous amphibious vehicles that can traverse wet and dry media are critical to battlespace preparedness in landing zones. These vehicles require wet and dry propulsion modes and a way to navigate the composite region in the surf zone, which physically changes with time, and imparts unsteady and potentially large amplitude forces and moments on the vehicles. A vibrationally-actuated propulsor has previously been demonstrated on wet and dry surfaces separately, and potentially would simplify the vehicle???s design and maneuverability in the surf zone. Vibrational propulsion will initially be demonstrated with stationary model shore conditions in the first year of the project. When propulsion has been satisfactorily achieved in the static environment, the propulsor performance under wave-like unsteady conditions will be evaluated. Testbed facilities will be developed expressly for this project. The project will also train junior personnel in experimental hydrodynamics and engineering design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812456
Entities
People
- Jessica K. Shang
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Rochester