Development of a Revolutionary Amphibious Vehicle with Cycloidal Propellers
Abstract
SOW Development of a Revolutionary Amphibious Vehicle with Cycloidal PropellersThe overarching objective of the project is to is to design, build and field-test a small-scale (length: 2 3 ft.) technology demonstrator prototype of a revolutionary amphibious (underwater/ground) vehicle with (1) cycloidal propellers capable of 360 of instantaneous thrust vectoring using cyclicblade pitch control for superior station keeping and maneuvering for low to moderate speeds underwater along with a ducted thruster to enable efficient propulsion for high-speed cruise, (2) the ability to easily retract the cycloidal propellers and stow them inside the rimd the wheels with a simple clutch to disengage wheels while under water, (4) a ballast system for buoyancy control, (5) individual speed control for propellers/wheels and tank treads for improved mobility in water and on the beach.Bringing such a transformative idea to fruition requires a multidisciplinary approach with a principled understanding of the hydromechanics, vehicle dynamics and the complex control architecture of such a system. Two key knowledge gaps identified are (1) fundamental understanding of the dynamics and control of this novel platform in the aquatic mode is lacking, and (2) the physics of force production on a cycloidal propeller at high rotational speeds and its interaction with the body motions, especially close to the free surface (including possibility of ventilation and interaction with waves) is not understood. In addition to improving the physical and control systems, both of these knowledge gaps also point to the need to improve the understanding and predictability of the dynamic 6-DOF response and stability of the system acrossthe various operational regimes. The focus of this follow-on phase will be to utilize the lessons learned from the previous phase and to apply the new knowledge developed through model-based, propeller and vehicle testing to develop a significantly improved next generation prototype. Existing reduced-order hydrodynamic models will be utilized to design an efficient cycloidal propeller. An improved cycloidal propeller plus wheel including the retraction system and phase control servo will be developed. Testing of the isolated cycloidal-propeller + retraction system will be conducted in a water tunnel. A hull will be built with speciannel thruster will be integrated to the hull along with the tank treads for ground locomotion. The control system will be designed in such a way that any parameter that can be remotely controlled will be able to be controlled via the autonomy package. Both remotely controlled and autonomous testing of the entire platform will be conducted in both ground and aquatic modes at the Wave Basin at the University of Iowa.The ultimate outcome of the proposed project will be a revolutionary amphibious platform demonstrator prototype capable of efficient, agile, fasthnology for the Navy. The key highlights of this vehicle will be (1) a novel underwater propulsion system, which has the potential to exploitunsteady hydrodynamics to obtain large dynamic lift coefficients, the capability of instantaneous 360 thrust vectoring, significantly lower operating rpm, and coincidentally, lends itself easily for an agile amphibious platform, (2) the ability to seamlessly transition from one mode of locomotion to another with minimal mechanical complexity, and (3) lack of redundant transmissions for thewheel and the cycloidal propellers. Such a vehicle could instigate a paradigm shift in amphibious vehicle technology and could revolutionize the capabilities of the Navy in the years to come.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112150
Entities
People
- Moble Benedict
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- United States Navy