Experimental Assessment of Entanglement for an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle with an Open, Three-Bladed Propeller

This research evaluates the entanglement of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) operating in marine vegetation common to littoral environments. Entanglement was assessed for a traditional UUV with an open, three-bladed propeller transiting a vegetation field at a constant heading and depth. Factors such as the vegetation density, vegetation placement and configuration, propeller revolutions per minute (RPM), and vehicle speed were varied to determine their impact on vehicle entanglement. Results provide insight to the mechanism of entanglement and operating conditions that result in a high or low likelihood of entanglement. These results are of particular interest to the Department of Defense as the military's use of UUVs in littoral environments becomes more prevalent.