Thrust Measurement of Biomimetic Underwater Vehicle with Undulating Propulsion

In the recent years, a dynamical development of an underwater robotics has been noticed. One of the newest group of underwater robots are biomimetic underwater vehicles. These vehicles are driven by undulating propulsion imitating fins of underwater creatures, e.g. a fish, a seal, etc.

This paper undertakes problem of thrust measurement of new biomimetic underwater vehicle equipped with undulating propulsion. At the beginning, the stand for thrust measurement is described. Then, two constructions of BUVs imitating a fish and a seal are presented. Further, the results of thrust measurement for two different undulating propulsions are inserted. At the end of the paper containing conclusions from performed measurements and foreseen research is included.