Experimental methods for maritime robots operating in close proximity in waves

As the Navy and wider maritime sector move towards the use of autonomous surface vehicle operations, understanding the unsteady hydrodynamics of manoeuvres in waves, in close proximity will be needed to ensure safe and energy efficient operations. For example, in launch and recovery of autonomous systems in adverse weather, operations alongside such as re-fuelling/recharging, search and rescue and in restricted waters or ports with a variety of waterway users.

To address these complex system interactions, you'll develop and test novel Hardware in the loop (HIL) experimental methods to evaluate unsteady hydrodynamics of autonomous systems operating in close proximity in waves. The research will explore how hydrodynamic behaviours could be used to improve performance, including opportunities for energy, emissions and cost savings, as well as extending safe operating envelopes and endurance. This will be achieved by exploring and developing cyber-physical evaluation methods, coupling simulation and experimental measurements in real-time, with active control to explore complex hydrodynamic interactions.

The research ambition is to accelerate the development and ultimately design, strategies and safe deployment of maritime autonomous systems operating in close proximity. This approach, the methods and results are also expected to have significant interest and application across the wider maritime sector, e.g., for evaluating future SMART ports, energy saving technologies, and in support of the UK maritime decarbonisation goals.

You'll be based in the Maritime Engineering group and you'll have access to an array of hydrodynamics facilities including the 138x6x3.5m University of Southampton Boldrewood towing tank, the largest academic tank in the UK.