Bouyancy compensation analysis of an autonomous underwater glider

Abstract

The autonomous underwater glider is propelled by changing its net buoyancy. The value of the net buoyancy is essential to the glider's movement. In this paper, a finite element method combined with theoretical calculation is utilized to calculate the deformation of the vehicle's pressure hull. According to the force analysis of the glider, the deformation of the glider is derived. Meanwhile, based on the density change with the water depth, the net buoyancy of the glider can be obtained and a new guidance can therefore be provided for design of the buoyancy system of the underwater glider.