Work

Novel Design and Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of a Foldable Hybrid Aerial Underwater Vehicle

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Hybrid Aerial Underwater Vehicles (HAUVs), capable of operating effectively in both aerial and underwater environments, offer promising solutions for a wide range of applications. This paper presents the design and development of a novel foldable wing HAUV, detailing the overall structural framework and key design considerations. We employed fluid simulation software to perform comprehensive hydrodynamic and aerodynamic analyses, simulating the vehicle’s behavior during aerial flight, underwater navigation, water entry and exit, and surface gliding. The motion characteristics under different speed and angle conditions were analyzed. Additionally, a physical prototype was constructed, and experimental tests were conducted to evaluate its performance in both aerial and underwater environments. The experimental results confirmed the vehicle’s ability to seamlessly transition between air and water, demonstrating its viability for dual-environment operations.

Source: Drones

DOI: 10.3390/drones8110669

Authors: Guangrong Chen, Lei Yan, Ao Cao, Xinyuan Zhu, Hongbo Ding, Yuxiang Lin

Institutions: Beijing Jiaotong University, Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Underwater Vehicles and Communication Systems

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities