Active Yaw Stabilization for Smooth, Highly Maneuverable Underwater Vehicles

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a robot that combines a powerful propeller with a pump-valve system that enables high maneuverability. In order to reduce size and improve turning performance, the design does not include external stabilizers such as fins. Therefore the robot is directionally unstable (yaw direction). In this work we outline the design of a linear stabilizing controller that does not require complicated flow sensors and instead simply uses angle and rate measurements. The linear controller was simulated and then implemented on a prototype robot. Preliminary results reveal that this stabilization method works to enable straight motions and is also able to reject sub-stantial disturbances.