Research on Optimization Design of a New Type of Underwater Vehicle For Arctic Expedition

It has been proved the application of underwater vehicle for polar expedition can result in significant improvements and successes. A new type of hybrid underwater vehicle named as A-ARV (ArctiC autonomous & Remotely operated Vehicle), with the characters of real-time data collection and hybrid working model, was specially developed for Arctic expedition with the support of the Chinese National High-Tech Research and Development Program. In order to meet the special needs of Arctic expedition, optimization theory and algorithm are adopted for the comprehensive optimization design of the body design and motion performance. Firstly, a group of optimized parameters of the main body can be found by integrating and optimizing the three dimensional parameterized model of A-ARV using the methods of multi-objective optimization, and then the comprehensive motion performances of A-ARV, including the maneuverability and stability, are simulated and analyzed. At last, experimental studies were carried out in both the pool and lake. The results show A-ARV has good hydrodynamic performance and maneuverability in certain sailing velocity, and the practical application of A-ARV in Arctic areas prove it be successfully used during the Third Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (from July 11th to September 25th, 2008)