Conceptual design of a thrust-vectoring tailcone for underwater robotics

Thrust-vectoring on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles is an appealing directional-control solution because it improves turning radius capabilities. Unfortunately, thrust-vectoring requires the entire propulsion system be articulated in two degrees of freedom. Consequently, substantial internal volume must be utilized for this system, reducing payload and battery capacity. To combat this problem, an alternative thrust-vectoring system is desired for an existing vehicle. A number of alternative design strategies and concepts are explored herein. One design concept is then chosen and feasibility calculations are performed. Analysis of hydrodynamic loading, actuators, bearings, and structural components is conducted. The design is then reviewed and improvements are suggested.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Nawrot, Michael T

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Amos G. Winter.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/75671

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/75671