Design and development of synthetic jet actuator for underwater propulsion

• Main Author: Baird Matthew John
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Motors, engines and turbines
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54033
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The main objectives of this project were to design and develop two prototype synthetic jet actuators (SJAs) for use in underwater environments and capable of producing enough thrust to manoeuvre an underwater unmanned vehicle. One of the prototypes will be powered by an electric motor driving a cam and follower type arrangement to convert from rotary to linear movement; the other SJA is solenoid driven, using a linear solenoid to provide the diaphragm movement causing the thrust. This report details the methodology used to develop the designs for both of the SJAs as well as giving a background on some of the proposed tests which will be carried out on the final products. The test tank design and developments are also discussed. Tests were carried out on the completed motor driven SJA and the thrust delivered was calculated by taking a time average of the reaction forces from a load cell. The maximum force produced in preliminary testing was approximately 42N. The control systems for both the motor driven SJA and the solenoid driven SJA have been tested using an oscilloscope and sample components and allow the thrust to be altered through a microcontroller rather than a variable voltage source. The designs of the control systems and pasting methodology are covered in more detail. Finally some recommendations for further testing and improvements to both the design methodology and the design are given.