Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Manta Ray-Inspired Robot

Abstract

The ability of the bio-inspired underwater robots to imitate the motions of fish and other underwater creatures allows it to adapt more effectively to the underwater environment. This technology has significant implications in underwater rescue, submarine exploration, marine environment monitoring, and other related areas. This study proposes a novel underwater robot inspired by the motions of the manta ray by combining the traditional underwater robots and airfoil theory, in which has a lift-drag ratio comparable to that observed in the biological model of a manta ray. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the proposed robot is analyzed with ANSYS FLUENT, and the key factors that impact the lift-drag ratio of the robot are obtained. A prototype of the proposed robot is assembled, and a series of tank tests were conducted to measure its speed. Moreover, the proposed robot can realize the motions of roll, pitch and yaw.