MS Plan B Defense: Using Differential Pressure sensor arrays to identify wake structures created by a heaving and pitching foil

Gary Glass
Master’s Student
Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

This defense will be held via zoom
Meeting ID: 936 1860 0974
Passcode: GaryMS
https://hawaii.zoom.us/j/93618600974

Inspired by the lateral line sensory system of fish, sensor arrays distributed over the surface of underwater vehicles can be used to sense the fluid surroundings. While previous studies have used such a system to compensate for fluid forces acting on a vehicle, here the goal is to use the distributed pressure sensors to detect nearby fin wake patterns, as is done by schooling fish. This study aims to design an experimental setup to create characteristic wake structures and detect those structures with submerged differential pressure sensors. The optimal pressure sensor location in the testing tank as well as the sensor port separation distances are selected with the help of a simplified flow model. Potential flow theory was used to model a von Karman wake structure and determine the surrounding pressure field. Pressure differentials were calculated at various locations to determine the best locations for sensor placement. A flapping mechanism is also designed to create a variety of wake structures by heaving and pitching a flat plate. 2D thin airfoil calculations were performed for a variety of plate movement patterns to determine the maximum forces required to move the plate. Motors were then selected to provide a sufficient torque to move the plate. The results of the numerical model are discussed as well as part selection.