A systematic experimental and analytical investigation of the autonomous underwater vehicle design process with particular regard to power system integration

In recent years Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) technology has become a familiar topic in the literature dealing with subsea intervention. However, many of the vehicle designs proposed have yet to make the transition from the drawing board to manufacture to practical underwater operation. There are many reasons for this situation. Firstly, a number of the applications identified for AUV use have been successfully carried out by tethered and dumber vehicles. Secondly, reduced defence spending has limited the rapid development of the smarter AUVs. Thirdly, the research and development efforts on power systems and overall vehicle design have lagged behind those on electronic and signal processing systems. Thus, the subsea applications for which the intelligent AUV seems particularly suited, i.e., long range or endurance, cannot be carried out because of power systems deficiencies. Moreover, the problems encountered in physically integrating a long range power system into the vehicle design have not been thoroughly addressed or identified. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to undertake a systematic experimental and analytical investigation of the AUV design process with particular regard to the power system integration. The main non-propulsion systems evaluated include hull form, the vehicle structural integrity, payload, control and weight/displacement criteria.; To delineate the effects of the power system, an Air Independent Powered Diesel engine was selected for experimental investigation. An existing test facility was further developed to allow the complete control of the engine intake conditions, with regard to pressure, temperature and gaseous flowrates. Testing of the engine was successfully undertaken using a wide variety of non-conventional engine working fluids. Techniques are discussed for oxidant and exhaust gas management for the Diesel engine operating in the air-independent state.; A computer-based design tool, the Concept Design of an AUV (CDAUV), was developed and is presented. The program facilitates quick convergence to an AUV design using a combination of user inputs and information generated in the AUV subsystems and AIP Diesel engine experimental studies.; Many interesting and sometimes unexpected results have been obtained during the investigations. It was confirmed that the non-conventional atmosphere Diesel engine can perform as well as naturally aspirated equivalents especially at high loads. For the AUV design simulations, the major vehicle components are varied, and the effects on the vehicle endurance defined. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...