Consensus of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles with double independent Markovian switching topologies and timevarying delays

A new method in which the consensus algorithm is used to solve the coordinate control problems of leaderless multiple autonomous underwater vehicles（multi-AUVs） with double independent Markovian switching communication topologies and time-varying delays among the underwater sensors is investigated.This is accomplished by first dividing the communication topology into two different switching parts,i.e.,velocity and position,to reduce the data capacity per data package sent between the multi-AUVs in the ocean.Then,the state feedback linearization is used to simplify and rewrite the complex nonlinear and coupled mathematical model of the AUVs into a double-integrator dynamic model.Consequently,coordinate control of the multi-AUVs is regarded as an approximating consensus problem with various time-varying delays and velocity and position topologies.Considering these factors,sufficient conditions of consensus control are proposed and analyzed and the stability of the multi-AUVs is proven by Lyapunov-Krasovskii theorem.Finally,simulation results that validate the theoretical results are presented.

Parallel Neural Network-Based Motion Controller for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

A parallel neural network-based controller （PNNC） is presented for the motion control of underwater vehicles in this paper. It consists of a real-time part, a self-learning part and a desired-state programmer, and it is different from normal adaptive neural network controller in structure. Owing to the introduction of the self-learning part, on-line learning can be performed without sample data in several sample periods, resulting in high learning speed of the controller and good control performance. The desired-state programmer is utilized to obtain better learning samples of the neural network to keep the stability of the controller. The developed controller is applied to the 4-degree of freedom control of the AUV “IUV- IV” and is successful on the simulation platform. The control performance is also compared with that of neural network controller with different structures such as normal adaptive neural network and different learning methods. Current effects and surge velocity control are also included to demonstrate the controller＇ s performance. It is shown that the PNNC has a great possibility to solve the problems in the control system design of underwater vehicles.

Three-dimensional neural network tracking control of autonomous underwater vehicles with input saturation

This paper addresses the problem of three-dimensional trajectory tracking control for underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles in the presence of parametric uncertainties,environmental disturbances and input saturation.First,a virtual guidance control strategy is established on the basis of tracking error kinematics,which resolves the overall control system into two cascade subsystems.Then,a first-order sliding mode differentiator is introduced in the derivation to avoid tedious analytic calculation,and a Gaussian error function-based continuous differentiable symmetric saturation model is explored to tackle the issue of input saturation.Combined with backstepping design techniques,the neural network control method and an adaptive control approach are used to estimate composite items of the unknown uncertainty and approximation errors.Meanwhile,Lyapunov-based stability analysis guarantees that control error signals of the closed-loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded.Finally,simulation studies are conducted for the trajectory tracking of a moving target and a spiral line to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

Application of GA, PSO, and ACO Algorithms to Path Planning of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

In this paper, an underwater vehicle was modeled with six dimensional nonlinear equations of motion, controlled by DC motors in all degrees of freedom. Near-optimal trajectories in an energetic environment for underwater vehicles were computed using a nnmerical solution of a nonlinear optimal control problem （NOCP）. An energy performance index as a cost function, which should be minimized, was defmed. The resulting problem was a two-point boundary value problem （TPBVP）. A genetic algorithm （GA）, particle swarm optimization （PSO）, and ant colony optimization （ACO） algorithms were applied to solve the resulting TPBVP. Applying an Euler-Lagrange equation to the NOCP, a conjugate gradient penalty method was also adopted to solve the TPBVP. The problem of energetic environments, involving some energy sources, was discussed. Some near-optimal paths were found using a GA, PSO, and ACO algorithms. Finally, the problem of collision avoidance in an energetic environment was also taken into account.

A nonlinear bottom-following controller for underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles

The bottom-following problem for underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles （AUV） was addressed by a new type of nonlinear decoupling control law. The vertical bottom-following error and pitch angle error are stabilized by means of the stem plane, and the thruster is left to stabilize the longitudinal bottom-following error and forward speed. In order to better meet the need of engineering applications, working characteristics of the actuators were sufficiently considered to design the proposed controller. Different from the traditional method, the methodology used to solve the problem is generated by AUV model without a reference orientation, and it deals explicitly with vehicle dynamics and the geometric characteristics of the desired tracking bottom curve. The estimation of systemic uncertainties and disturbances and the pitch velocity PE （persistent excitation） conditions are not required. The stability analysis is given by Lyapunov theorem. Simulation results of a full nonlinear hydrodynamic AUV model are provided to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller.

Analysis and innovation of key technologies for autonomous underwater vehicles

As the mission needs of the autonomous underwater vehicles(AUV) have become increasingly varied and complex,the AUVs are developing in the direction of systematism, multifunction, and clustering technology, which promotes the progress of key technologies and proposes a series of technical problems. Therefore, it is necessary to make systemic analysis and in-depth study for the progress of AUV's key technologies and innovative applications. The multi-functional mission needs and its key technologies involved in complex sea conditions are pointed out through analyzing the domestic and foreign technical programs, functional characteristics and future development plans. Furthermore, the overall design of a multi-moving state AUV is proposed. Then, technical innovations of the key technologies, such as thrust vector, propeller design, kinematics and dynamics, navigation control, and ambient flow field characteristics, are made, combining with the structural characteristics and motion characteristics of the new multi-moving state AUV. The results verify the good performance of the multi-moving state AUV and provide a theoretical guidance and technical support for the design of new AUV in real complex sea conditions.

Cooperative Navigation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Based on Estimation of Motion Radius Vectors

A cooperative navigation algorithm for a group of autonomous underwater vehicles is proposed on the basis of motion radius vector estimation.Combined the dead reckoning data with the mutual range data through an acoustic communication network among the group members, the relative positioning problem can be solved. A novel approach for solving the relative positioning is presented by using a recursive trigonometry technique and extended Kalman filter(EKF). Simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of this navigation method.

Expert S-surface control for autonomous underwater vehicles

S-surface control has proven to be an effective means for motion control of underwater autonomous vehicles(AUV).However there are still problems maintaining steady precision of course due to the constant need to adjust parameters,especially where there are disturbing currents.Thus an intelligent integral was introduced to improve precision.An expert S-surface control was developed to tune the parameters on-line,based on the expert system,it provides S-surface control according to practical experience and control knowledge.To prevent control output over-compensation,a fuzzy neural network was included to adjust the production rules to the knowledge base.Experiments were conducted on an AUV simulation platform,and the results show that the expert S-surface controller performs better than an S-surface controller in environments with currents,producing good steady precision of course in a robust way.

Dynamics Modeling and Simulation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Appendages

To provide a simulation system platform for designing and debugging a small autonomous underwater vehicle＇s （AUV） motion controller, a six-degree of freedom （6-DOF） dynamic model for AUV controlled by thruster and fins with appendages is examined. Based on the dynamic model, a simulation system for the AUV＇s motion is established. The different kinds of typical motions are simulated to analyze the motion performance and the maneuverability of the AUV. In order to evaluate the influences of appendages on the motion performance of the AUV, simulations of the AUV with and without appendages are performed and compared. The results demonstrate the AUV has good maneuverability with and without appendages.

On the Study of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles by Computational Fluid-Dynamics

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV’s) are considered as advanced classes of vehicles, capable of performing pre-established missions without physical communication with the ground or human assistance. The research and development of this type of vehicles have been motivated, due to its excellent characteristics, ideal to the military, scientific and industrial sectors. Thus, the objective of this paper is to study fluid flow behavior past over AUV’s, without and with control surfaces (rudders), by Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD), aiming to obtain information about the impact of the operating depth and control surfaces on the vehicle's hydrodynamics, in order to help researchers and designers of this class of vehicles. Results of the drag coefficient, pressure, velocity and streamlines distribution around the vehicles are presented and analyzed.

L^(*)—An index for evaluating long range performance of autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs)

Autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs)have various applications in both military and civilian fields.A wider operation area and more complex tasks require better overall range performance of AUVs.However,until recently,there have been few unified criteria for evaluating the range performance of AUVs.In the present work,a unified range index,i.e.,L^(*),considering the cruising speed,the sailing distance,and the volume of an AUV,is proposed for the first time,which can overcome the shortcomings of previous criteria using merely one single parameter,and provide a uniform criterion for the overall range performance of various AUVs.After constructing the expression of the L^(*)index,the relevant data of 49 AUVs from 12 countries worldwide have been collected,and the characteristics of the L^(*)range index in different countries and different categories were compared and discussed.Furthermore,by analyzing the complex factors affecting the range index,methods to enhance the L^(*)range index value,such as efficiency enhancement and drag reduction,have been introduced and discussed.Under this condition,the work proposes a unified and scientific criterion for evaluating the range performance of AUVs for the first time,provides valuable theoretical insight for the development of AUVs with higher performance,and then arouses more attention to the application of the cutting-edge superlubricity technology to the field of underwater vehicles,which might greatly help to accelerate the coming of the era of the superlubricitive engineering.

Cooperative Formation Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles:An Overview

Formation control is a cooperative control concept in which multiple autonomous underwater mobile robots are deployed for a group motion and/or control mission. This paper presents a brief review on various cooperative search and formation control strategies for multiple autonomous underwater vehicles （AUV） based on literature reported till date. Various cooperative and formation control schemes for collecting huge amount of data based on formation regulation control and formation tracking control are discussed. To address the challenge of detecting AUV failure in the fleet, communication issues, collision and obstacle avoidance are also taken into attention. Stability analysis of the feasible formation is also presented. This paper may be intended to serve as a convenient reference for the further research on formation control of multiple underwater mobile robots.

Design and simulation of ex-range gliding wing of high altitude air-launched autonomous underwater vehicles based on SIMULINK

High altitude air-launched autonomous underwater vehicle （AL-AUV） is a new anti-submarine field, which is designed on the Lockheed Martin＇s high altitude anti-submarine warfare weapons concept （HAAWC） and conducts the basic aerodynamic feasibility in a series of wind tunnel trials. The AL-AUV is composed of a traditional torpedo-like AUV, an additional ex-range gliding wings unit and a descending parachute unit. In order to accurately and conveniently investigate the dynamic and static characteristic of high altitude AL-AUV, a simulation platform is established based on MATLAB/SIMULINK and an AUV 6DOF （Degree of Freedom） dynamic model. Executing the simulation platform for different wing＇s parameters and initial fixing angle, a set of AUV gliding data is generated. Analyzing the recorded simulation result, the velocity and pitch characteristics of AL-AUV deployed at varying wing areas and initial setting angle, the optimal wing area is selected for specific AUV model. Then the comparative simulations of AL-AUV with the selected wings are completed, which simulate the AUV gliding through idealized windless air environment and gliding with Dryden wind influence. The result indicates that the method of wing design and simulation with the simulation platform based on SIMULINK is accurately effective and suitable to be widely employed.

PARAMETRIC IDENTIFICATION AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLES IN DIVING PLANE

The inherent strongly nonlinear and coupling performance of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicles （AUV）, maneuvering motion in the diving plane determines its difficulty in parametric identification. The motion parameters in diving plane are obtained by executing the Zigzag-like motion based on a mathematical model of maneuvering motion. A separate identification method is put forward for parametric identification by investigating the motion equations. Support vector machine is proposed to estimate the hydrodynamic derivatives by analyzing the data of surge, heave and pitch motions. Compared with the standard coefficients, the identified parameters show the validation of the proposed identification method. Sensitivity analysis based on numerical simulation demonstrates that poor sensitive derivative gives bad estimation results. Finally the motion simulation is implemented based on the dominant sensitive derivatives to verify the reconstructed model.

Three-Dimensional Trajectory Tracking Control of Underactuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Input Saturation

This paper addresses a three-dimensional(3D)trajectory tracking problem of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs)subjected to input saturation and external disturbances.The proposed controller can achieve practical convergence of tracking errors for general reference trajectories,including persistently exciting(PE)time varying trajectories and fixed points.At first,a modified error state formulation is introduced to tackle the situation that desired velocities do not satisfy PE condition.Then,on the basis of the backstepping technique and a Nussbaum-type even function,a saturated controller is designed so that the tracking errors can converge to a bounded neighborhood of the origin.The stability analysis based on Lyapunov theory shows that the tracking errors are globally ultimately uniformly bounded.Finally,some simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy.

Equidistance target-following controller for underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles

Purpose–Autonomous Underwater Vehicles(AUVs)play a crucial role in marine biology research and oceanic natural resources exploration.Since most AUVs are underactuated they require sophisticated trajectory planning and tracking algorithms.The purpose of this paper is to develop a new method that allows an underactuated AUV to track a moving object while constraining the approach to a direction tangent to the path of the target.Furthermore,the distance at which the AUV follows the target is constrained,reducing the probability of detection and unwanted behavior change of the target.Design/methodology/approach–First,a kinematic controller that generates a trajectory tangent to the path of the moving target is designed such that the AUV maintains a prescribed distance and approaches the target from behind.Using a Lyapunov based method the stability of the kinematic controller is proven.Second,a dynamic sliding mode controller is employed to drive the vehicle on the trajectory computed in the first step.Findings–The kinematic and dynamic controllers are shown to be stable and robust against parameter uncertainty in the dynamic model of the vehicle.Results of numerical simulations for equidistant tracking of a target on both smooth and discontinuous derivatives trajectories for a variety of relative initial positions and orientations are shown.Originality/value–The contribution of this research is development of a new method for path planning and tracking of moving targets for underactuated AUVs in the horizontal plane.The method allows control of both the direction of approach and the distance from a moving object.

Evaluating acoustic communication performance of micro autonomous underwater vehicles in confined spaces

Micro-sized autonomous underwater vehicles(μAUVs) are well suited to various applications in confined underwater spaces. Acoustic communication is required for many application scenarios of μAUVs to enable data transmission without surfacing. This paper presents the integration of a compact acoustic communication device with a μAUV prototype. Packet reception rate(PRR) and bit error rate(BER) of the acoustic communication link are evaluated in a confined pool environment through experiments while the μAUV is either stationary or moving.We pinpoint several major factors that impact the communication performance. Experimental results show that the multi-path effect significantly affects the synchronization signals of the communication device. The relative motion between the vehicle and the base station also degrades the communication performance. These results suggest future methods towards improvements.

A Comprehensive Review of Path Planning Algorithms for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

The underwater path planning problem deals with finding an optimal or sub-optimal route between an origin point and a termination point in marine environments.The underwater environment is still considered as a great challenge for the path planning of autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs)because of its hostile and dynamic nature.The major constraints for path planning are limited data transmission capability,power and sensing technology available for underwater operations.The sea environment is subjected to a large set of challenging factors classified as atmospheric,coastal and gravitational.Based on whether the impact of these factors can be approximated or not,the underwater environment can be characterized as predictable and unpredictable respectively.The classical path planning algorithms based on artificial intelligence assume that environmental conditions are known apriori to the path planner.But the current path planning algorithms involve continual interaction with the environment considering the environment as dynamic and its effect cannot be predicted.Path planning is necessary for many applications involving AUVs.These are based upon planning safety routes with minimum energy cost and computation overheads.This review is intended to summarize various path planning strategies for AUVs on the basis of characterization of underwater environments as predictable and unpredictable.The algorithms employed in path planning of single AUV and multiple AUVs are reviewed in the light of predictable and unpredictable environments.

Integrated navigation for autonomous underwater vehicles in aquaculture: A review

Aquaculture is the world’s fastest growing sector within the food industry,supplying humans with over half their aquatic products.Water quality monitoring or cage inspection is an indispensable part in aquaculture and is usually done manually.Autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs)are increasingly being used in aquaculture as technology advances and the cost reduction.Autonomous navigation is considered as a basic function of AUVs but is a challenging issue primarily due to the attenuated nature of electromagnetic waves in water and unstructured underwater environments.An inertial navigation system(INS)is usually selected as the core navigation equipment for AUV navigation because it never fails to measure.This paper reviews and surveys the latest advances in integrated navigation technologies for AUVs and provides a comprehensive reference for researchers who intend to apply AUVs to autonomous monitoring of aquaculture.Pure INS has difficulty obtaining long-range precision navigation due to the inherent error accumulation of inertial sensors over time;aiding inertial navigation systems with auxiliary sensors are common means to improve the navigation accuracy of an INS for AUVs.The survey is conducted according to different assisted navigation technologies for inertial navigation.Finally,the future challenges of the AUV navigation are also presented.

Automatic Wireless Power Supply System to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles by Means of Electromagnetic Coupler

With the aim of sending electric power to autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs), an automatic wireless power supply system by means of electromagnetic coupler was proposed. An equivalent circuit of the electromagnetic coupler with compensating capacitors was presented to analyze the performance of the system.The magnetizing inductance and leakage inductance, which are important for choosing compensating capacitors,were calculated by finite element analysis(FEA) methods. Then the voltage gain, power loss and system efficiency were analyzed to optimize the winding turns. Finally, a phase-shift full bridge zero-voltage-switching converter and an electromagnetic coupler were produced. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed system has a high voltage gain with small variation and sufficient power feeding.