For my senior capstone class 2.013, I simulated the nonlinear hydrodynamics of a long-range AUV with a hybrid propeller-glider architecture.
I used a matlab nonlinear equation solver to balance lift, drag, buoyancy, gravity, and inviscid added mass forces and moments. I accounted for form, skin, and lift-induced drag, and calculated lift assuming an elliptical planform. I then used this simulation to create sensitivities to inform the glider hydrodynamic design, and to predict consumption for various mission profiles in order to size the buoyancy engine and onboard energy storage.
The primary simulation code can be found here: https://github.mit.edu/rmccabe/2_013_modeling/blob/master/dynamics.m
The public class final critical design review (CDR) can be found here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ySsQPsRiFXBGnEdofasdRcZjx4MmjAz_mgDswV0UXdA/edit?usp=sharing. I created and presented slides 33 and 42-44.
This fall semester project sparked my interest in hydrodynamics and marine energy, which led to my winter/spring internship on wave energy converters at NREL.
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