Robotic Fish

A Biomimetic Research project, Robotic Fish utilizes MFC actuators to propel forward & collect marine data crucial to curb pollution.

Technologies Used: CAD, Analysis, Microcontroller, Motors, Prototyping, GD&T.

IMAGE (C) R.V. College Of Engineering

Overview

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the detrimental effects of marine pollution on aquatic ecosystems. Conventional methods of monitoring and detecting pollution often involve intrusive techniques that can disturb marine life and ecosystems. In response to this challenge, our team has developed a groundbreaking biomimetic robotic fish equipped with Micro Fiber Composites (MFC) actuators, which emulate the natural motion of fish caudal fins for efficient thrust generation. This innovative technology promises a non-invasive approach to monitoring marine pollution while minimizing disruption to underwater habitats.

Team

Shryas Bhurat (Team Lead | Design, Analysis & Hardware Integrations)
Aashish Yadav (Underwater Communication Protocol)
Shubham Das (Payload Research & Documentation)
Vishnu Priya (Electronic Circuitry)

Guide: Dr. Promio Charles (Associate Professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, R.V.C.E)

IMAGE (C) Unsplash

Problem

With over 70% of Earth's surface covered by oceans, marine pollution has far-reaching consequences for both aquatic ecosystems and human livelihoods.
Pollution in marine environments arises from various sources, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, oil spills, plastic waste, and chemical contaminants, posing a multifaceted threat to marine life.
Marine pollution disrupts fragile ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction, alteration of food chains, and the endangerment or extinction of numerous species, from microorganisms to large marine mammals.
Polluted shorelines and damaged coastal economies are just a few of the direct consequences of marine pollution, affecting the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide.
The persistence of pollutants in marine environments presents a challenge for long-term recovery efforts, demanding a coordinated global response to mitigate the ongoing damage.

Initial Research Insights

Existing motorized systems hinder agile navigation and data collection.
Data collection is more effective underwater than aerial imagery for high resolution.
Conventional motors used in existing fish robots have a higher energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Design Requirements

The solution should not affect marine life with noise pollution.
Enable access to collection of data, with agile maneuvering.
Should have an effective communication protocol for long-range control.

Guide: Dr. Promio Charles (Associate Professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, R.V.C.E)

Engineering Insights

Biomimicing the fish in the ocean, the following observations were noted
- Fishes produce thrust using the Caudal Fin.
- Fishes maneuver in water is due to Dorsal Fin.
- Fishes have highly efficient aerodynamic bodies to generate lift and reduce drag.
- Weight is an important factor that contributes to power consumption.

Engineering Requirements

The Caudal Fin Propulsion system with a motorized system needs to be replaced.
The body needs to be aerodynamically efficient.
Dorsal Fins need to be designed to ensure control.

Research Gaps

While existing research was available on the Aerodynamic Efficient Body and Control System (Dorsal Fin), replacing the Caudal Fin with another system was a newer area of research.

The group worked on building a prototype with a newer propulsion system optimizing Caudal Fin mechanisms.

Research

The team worked on optimizing Caudal Fin to generate more Thrust (using Computational fluid dynamics).
Micro Fiber Composites were looked into to understand their working at different voltages and its vibration frequencies (using Modal Analysis).

Modal Analysis

Computational fluid dynamics

Cp V/s Iterations

Thrust Generation (Theoretical)

Thrust = (Pr −Pl) ∗ A ∗ sinθ
Thrust = Cp ∗ 1 2 ∗ ρ ∗ (0.134) 2 ∗ 0.08 ∗ sin8
Where;
- Cp = Coefficient of Pressure
Cp = 0.0344, Thrust = 0.055 N
Cp = -0.55063, Thrust = 0.00343 N

Theoretical Results showed improvement in efficiencies because of additional surface area for pressure distribution.

Results & Prototyping

The MFC Actuator was sandwiched with the optimized Caudal Fin on either side to generate thrust.
Enhanced the efficiency of the mechanism by 40% from existing motorized systems.

Reflection

Led a team in addressing a critical issue by creating a compact design, requiring a range of skills.
Enhanced the efficiency of the mechanism by 40% through the use of optimized caudal fin-based actuators, resulting in improved thrust.
Engineered an underwater communication protocol system utilizing a swarm of fish robots.
Explored a captivating research area focused on smart materials to augment a robot's mechanical capabilities and published a research paper advancing the application of MFC actuators for Solar Panels in spacecraft technology.
The paper is pre-selected at Acta Astronautica (a leading peer-reviewed journal with an Impact factor of 2.954).

Design Iteration: Our journey persists as we remain committed to building and refining prototypes, by changing the caudal fin, and continuously seeking valuable insights and data. Below, you can catch a glimpse of a few images captured during this dynamic phase of our ongoing mission.

We are building a fish robot, to get more insights on marine pollution without effecting the habitants.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse