Design and Comprehensive Computational Hydro-Structural Analyses on Nature Inspired Unmanned Aquatic Vehicle for Underwater Applications

This study focuses on developing and deploying an Unmanned Aquatic Vehicle (UAV) capable of underwater travel. The primary objectives of this project are to detect the presence of dimethyl sulfide and toluene, as well as to identify any potential oil leakage in underwater pipelines. The UAV has a maximum operating depth of 300 m below the water surface. The design of this UAV is derived from the natural design of Rhinaancylostoma, an underwater kind of fish. The maximum operational setting for this mission is fixed at a depth of approximately 300 m beneath the surface of the sea, and the choice of this species is suitable for fulfilling the objectives of this undertaking. This technology will mitigate the risk associated with human interaction in inspection processes and has the potential to encompass various other resources in the future. The initial design data of the UAV is determined using analytical processes and verified formulas. The selection of the airfoil is done by comparing numerous options, such as NACA 0006, NACA 0020, and NACA 0024. The comparison investigation shows that the NACA 0008 has a lower coefficient of drag. ANSYS Workbench tool is utilized for executing computational analysis, encompassing hydrodynamic and hydro-structural simulations. An innovative computational molding technique is utilized as a preprocessing step. Structural examination is conducted in a two-step procedure, utilizing eight different materials. The selected materials for analysis are Boron fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP), AS-Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), T-300-CFRP, HMS-CFRP, GY-70-CFRP, Kevlar fiber reinforced polymer, E-Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and S-GFRP. The solid model of the UAV is subjected to computational analysis under two distinct loading circumstances. This analysis helps in identifying the most effective materials for future examination of the structure utilizing layer model molding in ANSYS ACP software. The hydrodynamic pressures are calculated, and as a result, the structural performance of UAVs is monitored. In the end, the most hydrodynamically efficient design and optimal material were chosen for the construction of the UAV, to carry out the application efficiently and reliably.