Contact: Gregory H. Huff – Email: ghuff@tamu.edu | 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