JetSum: SMA actuator based undersea unmanned vehicle inspired by jellyfish bio-mechanics

Scott Bressers, Sanghun Chung, Alex Villanueva, Colin Smith, Shashank Priya

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previously, we reported an undersea unmanned vehicle (UUV) termed as JetSum, inspired by the locomotion of medusa jellyfish, [12]. The propulsion of JetSum was based on shape memory alloy (SMA) wires replicating the contraction-relaxation cycle of natural jellyfish locomotion. In this paper, we report modified design of JetSum that addresses problems related to electrical isolation and power consumption. The modifications lead to significant improvement in functionality, providing implementation of a full continuous bell, bolstering critical sealing junctions, and reducing the overall power requirement. A LabVIEW controller program was developed to automate and optimize the driving of JetSum enabling reduction in power consumption for full contraction of SMA. JetSum locomotion in underwater conditions was recorded by using a high-speed camera and analyzed with image processing techniques developed in MatLab. The results show that JetSum was able to achieve velocity of 7 cm/s with power consumption of 8.94 W per cycle.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2010
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2010 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 8 2010Mar 11 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7644
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period3/8/103/11/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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