A constant-mass fuel delivery system for use in underwater autonomous vehicles

Abstract

This thesis describes the design and assembly of two constant-mass fuel tanks to be used in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The fuel tanks are part of a power supply designed to increase AUV endurance without limiting maneuverability. The fuel tanks allow AUVs to burn liquid fuel while maintaining constant buoyancy, increasing vehicle endurance by a factor of four without sacrificing mission capabilities. The fuel tanks take air and water as ballast in proper proportions to replace the consumed mass of fuel. Active solenoid valves, a fuel pump, and a water pump control the mass flow through the system. The thesis covers the design of the mass flow in the system, the computer modeling of that system, and the prototyping of two constant-mass fuel tanks.