CFD-OCTOPROP

Computational Fluid Dynamics Aided Design of the Propulsion and Locomotion Systems of a Bioinspired Robot Octopus

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The CFD-OctoProp project aims to investigate the fluid mechanics involved with the propulsion and locomotion systems of cephalopods by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. The development of an accurate kinematic and fluid dynamics model of the propelling apparatus of these soft-bodied organisms is intended to aid in the design of an actuator which will eventually be implemented in an octopus-inspired robot. The primary focus of the research project will be the development of a series of numerical models capable of dealing with the fluid-structure interactions (FSI) which arise during the displacement of the robot in water. The CFD analysis will try and derive the most suitable shape and elastic characteristic of the siphon which is best suited for generating thrust in order to propel the robot octopus. Secondly, the incorporation of a kinematic model of the crawling octopus in a CFD code will be perfomed in order to provide the essential background on the techniques adopted by the octopus for optimizing its own motion through water. The final goal of this project is to support in the development of an underwater robot capable of unprecedented motion skills for application in environmental monitoring.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU scientists have successfully built a soft-bodied marine robot based on the form and function of an octopus.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The octopus has a number of characteristics that make it a good source of inspiration for a marine robot. Its method of propulsion is of particular interest, but also its ability to change shape almost at will, and its surprising strength, flexibility and manoeuvrability.

With this in mind, the EU-funded http://sssa.bioroboticsinstitute.it/projects/CFD-OctoProp (CFD-OCTOPROP) project modelled the fluid dynamics involved in the propulsion of a cephalopod-inspired robot. Along with another EU-funded project (OCTOPUS), CFP-OCTOPROP aimed to build a soft-bodied robot propelled with jets of water (pulsed-jet thrust).

Researchers built three computational fluid dynamics models that describe the performance of various aspects of the robot's movement. One focused on the mechanics of movement, another on control of the vehicle, and the third looked at the forces on the soft robot 'body'.

The models were refined over time, and were ultimately used to optimise the design of the robot. They were also especially useful for understanding the forces acting on the robot during pulsed-jet thrusting.

Under the umbrella of the OCTOPUS project, researchers built and validated a soft-bodied robot that can propel itself using jets of water or by crawling. Jet propulsion is achieved by expanding and contracting an elastic shell, just like a cephalopod.

This exciting study will be incorporated into PoseiDRONE, a new research project to develop and test the soft-bodied robot further. One day, these robots may find use in environmental monitoring and other marine activities not suited to traditional robots.