In the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester, I founded a research
team that is investigating optimizing hydrodynamics of an Autonomous Underwater
Glider. This project and page is still very much a work in progress. For now, check out
a test video of our "hydrodynamic test bed" below
The project goals include:
- Build a functional autonomous, underwater glider (AUG)
- Improve lift-to-drag ratio by implementing:
- Smaller hull
- Roll-over system to allow use of asymmetrical, custom-designed foil profile
designed for efficiency at low Reynolds Numbers
- Schuemann wing planform for near-elliptical spanwise lift distribution
- Hoerner style wingtips to reduce tip vortex effects
We are currently designing the AUG in CAD, working towards a benchtop electical system,
and conducting glide slope tests a hydrodynamic "test bed", that is essentially a tow tank model we can use for
lift-to-drag tests of different wings.
In the video above, you see us launching the test bed in a pond to measure its lift-to-drag
ratio.
