A new method for the structural optimisation of a common type of square wing plate used in the wave glider

ABSTRACT

The wave glider is widely used in marine engineering. As one of the most crucial components of the wave glider, the wing plate system significantly affects the utilisation efficiency of wave energy. The aim of this research is to optimise the structure of a kind of the square wing plate, which possesses a bad hydrodynamic performance. For the purpose, a new structural optimisation method was developed, in which the optimal sweepback angle and leading edge radius of square wing plate were calculated. Structural dynamic sensitivity analysis and matrix perturbation theory were combined to establish a proper guidance for structural modification, which could avoid blindness during structural modification. Then, dynamics characteristics of the optimised wing plate were investigated based on finite element analysis and experimental modal testing. Finally, the hydrodynamic performance of the optimised wing plate was evaluated. Results show that the newly proposed optimisation method is feasible and effective, and it also can be used for wing plates in other underwater vehicle applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Wave glider
• wing plate
• structural optimisation
• hydrodynamic performance

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Zhipeng Gao http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2843-5906

Notes

1. Daniel et al. (2011) had studied the applicability of sensors such as temperature, depth and electrical conductivity on oceanography based on marine engineering test. Olson (2012) illustrated data transformation framework and design concept for wave glider.

2. Frolov et al. (2011) analysed the applicability of wave glider under different velocities and volatilities.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (project number: 16JCZDJC38600), the Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (project number:16JCQNJC04800), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (project number: 51707128), and the Basal Research Foundation of Colleges and universities of Tianjin Municipality (project number: 2016JC15).