Contact: Gregory H. Huff – Email: [email protected] | Phone: 979.862.4161 | Fax: 979.845.6259 Electromagnetics and Microwave Laboratory, Dep. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3128, USA Bio-Inspired Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Oceanographic Sensing Alyssa Bennett (OCEN), Jonathan Casto (CVEN), Amanda Couch (ECEN), Trace Dresden (MEEN), Jake McKnight (CEEN), Thomas Darden (ELEN), Deanna Sessions (ELEN), Lisa Smith (ECEN) Faculty Mentors: Gregory H. Huff (ELEN) and Jean-Francois Chamberland (ELEN) Solar and Power Communication and Sensors Ongoing and Future Work Design and implement a squid-like autonomous underwater vehicle networks for oceanographic data collection and monitoring of: coastal and waterway infrastructure; surface, and sub-sea structures; and aquatic or marine habitats AggiE Challenge, Fall 2013 Objective Hull Design Here is the schematic for our solar charging circuit. The circuit will switch between charging and discharging mode dependent on commands from the Teensy 2.0++. The circuit also measure the voltage level and current draw of the batteries as well as its own temperature. Solar Panel Battery Charge/ Discharge Battery Backup IC Battery Battery Teensy 2.0++ Accelerometer Gyros Magnetometer Flow Meter Servo GPS Module XBee Radio Battery Charge/ Discharge I2C Analog Pins Digital Pins SPI Serial Solar Panel Battery Charge/ Discharge Battery Backup IC Battery Battery Teensy 2.0++ Accelerometer Gyros Magnetometer Flow Meter Servo GPS Module XBee Radio Battery Charge/ Discharge 3.7 V 3.3 V 1.8 V 5.0 V The on-board communication system diagram. Our system is based around a Teensy 2.0++ microcontroller. MySQL Database QT Visualization On board data will be transmitted to a MySQL database for analysis and visualization AUV This semester, we completed the initial design of the system and created subsystem prototypes. Next semester, we will integrate the subsystems into a full prototype. Thrust generated by vortex rings provides propulsion. Siphon orientation allows for fine control over direction of travel. Vortex Propulsion Compression of mantle The deformable mantle, made of silicone rubber, is attached to the stern. A plastic nose cone and cylinder house the electronics. Sensors are trailed behind on tentacles. Coefficient of drag approximately 0.3. 1. Intake Inlet bi-valves allow water to enter chamber as it expands 2. Vortex Generation The mantle then compresses, causing the siphon bi-valve to open and eject water. 9 DOF Accelerometer, Gyro, & Magnetometer Temperature Sensor Flow Meter Overall view of our power system. When surfaced, the system will charge via a solar panels. While submerged, the system will be battery powered. Aging Infrastructure Offshore- Disasters Structural Health Monitoring Oceanic Pollution 3-D view of vortex ring travelling to the right Pressure caused by overall fluid stagnation at point of vortex rotation provides thrust against mantle structure