Adaptive Sensor-Fault Tolerant Control of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles With Input Saturation

This paper investigates the tracking control problem for unmanned underwater vehicles(UUVs)systems with sensor faults,input saturation,and external disturbance caused by waves and ocean currents.An active sensor fault-tolerant control scheme is proposed.First,the developed method only requires the inertia matrix of the UUV,without other dynamic information,and can handle both additive and multiplicative sensor faults.Subsequently,an adaptive fault-tolerant controller is designed to achieve asymptotic tracking control of the UUV by employing robust integral of the sign of error feedback method.It is shown that the effect of sensor faults is online estimated and compensated by an adaptive estimator.With the proposed controller,the tracking error and estimation error can asymptotically converge to zero.Finally,simulation results are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Investigation of the Interaction Between the Free Surface and A Semi/Shallowly Submerged Underwater Vehicle

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between the free surface and a semi/shallowly submerged underwater vehicle,especially when the submergence depth h is smaller than 0.75D(D:submarine maximum diameter).In this respect,the straight-ahead simulations of the generic SUBOFF underwater vehicle geometry are conducted with constant forward velocities using the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes(URANS)equations with a Shear-Stress Transport(SST)k-ωturbulence model in commercial code Fluent,at submergence depths and Froude numbers ranging from h=0 to h=3.3D and from Fn=0.205 to Fn=0.512,respectively.The numerical models are verified against the existing experimental data.The analysis of the obtained results indicates that in the case of the semi and shallowly submerged underwater vehicle(UV),both the submergence depth and forward velocity have a great effect on the behaviors of hydrodynamic forces acting on the UV.The magnitude of maximum total resistance may reach almost five times the value of resistance exerted on the totally submerged hull.Both the forces acting on the UV and the generated waves when the submergence depth h is smaller than 0.75D are significantly different from those whenr h is larger than 0.75D.The conclusions can be used as reference for future research on near free surface motions of underwater vehicles and the design of small water-plane area twin hull.

A digital twins enabled underwater intelligent internet vehicle path planning system via reinforcement learning and edge computing

The Autonomous Underwater Glider(AUG)is a kind of prevailing underwater intelligent internet vehicle and occupies a dominant position in industrial applications,in which path planning is an essential problem.Due to the complexity and variability of the ocean,accurate environment modeling and flexible path planning algorithms are pivotal challenges.The traditional models mainly utilize mathematical functions,which are not complete and reliable.Most existing path planning algorithms depend on the environment and lack flexibility.To overcome these challenges,we propose a path planning system for underwater intelligent internet vehicles.It applies digital twins and sensor data to map the real ocean environment to a virtual digital space,which provides a comprehensive and reliable environment for path simulation.We design a value-based reinforcement learning path planning algorithm and explore the optimal network structure parameters.The path simulation is controlled by a closed-loop model integrated into the terminal vehicle through edge computing.The integration of state input enriches the learning of neural networks and helps to improve generalization and flexibility.The task-related reward function promotes the rapid convergence of the training.The experimental results prove that our reinforcement learning based path planning algorithm has great flexibility and can effectively adapt to a variety of different ocean conditions.

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.

Neural Network Based Robust Controller for Trajectory Tracking of Underwater Vehicles

A robust neural network controller （NNC） is presented for tracking control of underwater vehicles with uncertainties. The controller is obtained by using backstepping technique and Lyapunov function design in combination with neural network identification. Modeling errors and environmental disturbances are considered in the mathematical model. A twolayer neural network is introduced to compensate the modeling errors, while H∞ control strategy is used to achieve the L2-gain performance. The uniformly ultimately bounded （UUB） stabilities of tracking errors and NN weights are guaran- teed through the proposed controller. An on-line NN weights tuning algorithm is also propesed. Good performances of the tracking control system are illustrated bv the results of numerical simulations.

Model Based Adaptive Control and Disturbance Compensation for Underwater Vehicles

Underwater vehicles are being emphasized as highly integrated and intelligent devices for a significant number of oceanic operations. However, their precise operation is usually hindered by disturbances from a tether or manipulator because their propellers are unable to realize a stable suspension. A dynamic multi-body model-based adaptive controller was designed to allow the controller of the vehicle to observe and compensate for disturbances from a tether or manipulator. Disturbances, including those from a tether or manipulator, are deduced for the observation of the controller. An analysis of a tether disturbance covers the conditions of the surface, the underwater area, and the vehicle end point. Interactions between the vehicle and manipulator are mainly composed of coupling forces and restoring moments.To verify the robustness of the controller, path-following experiments on a streamlined autonomous underwater vehicle experiencing various disturbances were conducted in Song Hua Lake in China. Furthermore,path-following experiments for a tethered open frame remote operated vehicle were verified for accurate cruising with a controller and an observer, and vehicle and manipulator coordinate motion control during the simulation and experiments verified the effectiveness of the controller and observer for underwater operation. This study provides instructions for the control of an underwater vehicle experiencing disturbances from a tether or manipulator.

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.

Technology Development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

In recent years, the weapon systems have been changing drastically because of the advancement of science technology and the change of military concept of combat. There is an unmanned system at the center of all those changes. Especially, in case of maritime environment, as the center stage of combat has changed from ocean to coastal areas, it is difficult for the existing naval forces to effectively operate in shallow waters. Therefore, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are being required at an increasing pace. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of already developed UUVs, which are the key unmanned system of the marine battlefield environment in the future. Through the analysis of development cases and the investigation of the essential technologies, the critical design issues of UUVs are elaborated. We also suggest the future directions of the UUV technologies based on the case analysis.

Fuzzy neural network control of underwater vehicles based on desired state programming

Due to the nonlinearity and uncertainty, the precise control of underwater vehicles in some intelligent operations hasn’t been solved very well yet. A novel method of control based on desired state programming was presented, which used the technique of fuzzy neural network. The structure of fuzzy neural network was constructed according to the moving characters and the back propagation algorithm was deduced. Simulation experiments were conducted on general detection remotely operated vehicle. The results show that there is a great improvement in response and precision over traditional control, and good robustness to the model’s uncertainty and external disturbance, which has theoretical and practical value.

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.

Autopilot Control Synthesis for Path Tracking Maneuvers of Underwater Vehicles

This paper is concerned with the robust control synthesis of autonomous underwater vehicle （AUV） for general path following maneuvers. First, we present maneuvering kinematics and vehicle dynamics in a unified framework. Based on H∞ loop-shaping procedure, the 2-DOF autopilot controller has been presented to enhance stability and path tracking. By use of model reduction, the high-order control system is reduced to one with reasonable order, and further the scaled low-order controller has been analyzed in both the frequency and the time domains. Finally, it is shown that the autopilot control system provides robust performance and stability against prescribed levels of uncertainty.

Application of unmanned underwater vehicles in polar research

The importance of polar ice as vital components of the global ocean-climate system is widely recognized.In this paper,we demonstrate the importance and urgency of polar research,describe the primary characteristics of sea ice and ice shelves,and outline the current status and difficulties associated with sub-ice research.We highlight the importance of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles(UUVs)as important tools for oceanographic research.We present recent progress in UUV deployment in sub-ice research in the Arctic and the Antarctic,and review the latest international developments in UUV structure,navigation,payload,and field operation.Moreover,Chinese polar UUVs and their deployments in the polar regions are presented in detail.Key technologies and solutions regarding polar application of UUVs(e.g.,sub-ice navigation and positioning,energy supply and data transmission,and sub-ice guidance and recovery)are discussed.Given the current worldwide attention on polar science,the potential future directions of UUV-related polar research(e.g.,observations under Antarctic ice shelves,long-range surveys beneath Arctic sea ice and application of intelligent technology)are discussed.

Modeling and Simulation of aCounter-Rotating Turbine System for Underwater Vehicles

The structure of a counter-rotating turbine of an underwater vehicle is designed by adding the counter-rotating second-stage turbine disk to the conventional single-stage turbine. The available kinetic energy and the absorption power of the auxiliary system are calculated at different working conditions, and the results show that the power of the main engine and auxiliary system at the counter-rotating turbine system matches well with each other. The technology scheme of the counter-rotating turbine system is proposed, then the experimental simulation of the lubricating oil loop, fuel loop, and seawater loop is completed. The simulation results indicate that the hydraulic transmission system can satisfy the requirements for an underwater vehicle running at a steady sailing or variable working conditions.

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.

Innovative design and motion mechanism analysis for a multi-moving state autonomous underwater vehicles

In order to achieve the functional requirements of multi-moving state, a new autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV) provided with the functions such as the submarine vectorial thrust, landing on the sea bottom, wheel driving on the ground and crawling on the ground was designed. Then five new theories and methods were proposed about the motion mechanism of the AUV such as vectorial thruster technology, design of a new wheel propeller, kinematics and dynamics, navigation control and the ambient flow field in complex sea conditions, which can all conquer conventional technique shortages and predict the multi-moving state performance under wave disturbance. The theoretical research can realize the results such as a vectorial transmission shaft with the characteristics of spatial deflexion and continual circumgyratetion, parameterized design of the new wheel propeller with preferable open-water performance and intensity characteristics satisfying multi-moving state requirements, motion computation and kinetic analysis of AUV's arbitrary postures under wave disturbance, a second-order sliding mode controller with double-loop structure based on dynamic boundary layer that ensures AUV's trajectory high-precision tracking performance under wave disturbance, fast and exact prediction of the ambient flow field characteristics and the interaction mechanism between AUV hull and wheel propellers. The elaborate data obtained from the theoretical research can provide an important theoretical guidance and technical support for the manufacture of experimental prototype.

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.

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.

Using Unmanned Underwater Vehicles as Research Platforms in Coastal Ocean Studies

The advantages of using unmanned underwater vehicles in coastal ocean studies are emphasized. Two types of representative vehicles, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from University of South Florida, are discussed. Two individual modular sensor packages designed and tested for these platforms and field measurement results are also presented. The bottom classification and albedo package, BCAP, provides fast and accurate estimates of bottom albedos, along with other parameters such as in-water remote sensing reflectance. The real-time ocean bottom optical topographer, ROBOT, reveals high-resolution 3-dimentional bottom topography for target identification. Field data and results from recent Coastal Benthic Optical Properties field campaign, 1999 and 2000, are presented. Advantages and limitations of these vehicles and applications of modular sensor packages are compared and discussed.

Tracking Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Internal Moving Mass

追踪轨道的控制问题被调查为一自治在水下作为致动器用一个内部点团和一个后面的推进器搬到垂直飞机的车辆(AUV ) 。与点团的动力学结合了， AUV 作为一个 underactuated 系统被建模。一个基于 Lyapunov 的追踪控制器被使用 backstepping 途径稳定错误动力学并且强迫位置错误到起源的一位小邻居建议。模拟结果验证建议追踪的途径。

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.