Performance evaluation of the propulsion system for the autonomous underwater vehicle C-SCOUT

Abstract

This thesis begins with a study of AUV energy systems and endurance. A comparative study of a number of high energy density systems is carried out and based on this study, a few high energy density systems are selected for possible use on the AUV "C-SCOUT". The optimum operating speed and the endurance limits of "C-SCOUT" are then calculated. Next, two powering prediction methods (the "ITTC 1978" method and the "Load-Varying Self-Propulsion Test" method) are compared, in order to estimate the powering performance of "C-SCOUT". Subsequently an account of the resistance, self-propulsion and bollard pull tests conducted on "C-SCOUT", is included. Areas discussed include test setup, test procedure, test results and problems faced. Finally this thesis takes a look at propeller design. A high efficiency propeller is designed for "C-SCOUT" using Eckhardt and Morgan's propeller design method.