Investigation of Acoustic Underwater Propulsion with $36^{\circ}$ Y-cut Lithium Niobate Transducer

Abstract

Underwater propulsion systems, using an acoustic driving force generated by the ultrasonic transducer at the interface between the solid and liquid, are studied widely. There are no moving parts such as fins or screws. In addition, the acoustic underwater propulsion of a self-propelled robot is expected to meet the requirements of higher power density and smaller size. In this work, the single-crystal 36° Y-cut lithium niobate ($\text{LiNbO}_{3}$, LN) substrates, which have lead-free and excellent high-power characteristics, are used to investigate underwater acoustic propulsion.