Frequency Sensitivity and Mode Characteristics of Body Structure for a Piezoelectric-Based UUV

The authors propose a novel unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) based on a piezoelectric smart element, which facilitates piezoelectric energy harvesting as well as piezoelectric vibration reduction. In this report, the operating principle of the UUV is presented. Using Donnell’s theory, dynamic models of body structure are established, and the natural frequency sensitivity in addition to the vibration mode equations are deduced. Using MATLAB software, the vibration modes and their sensitivity to the change of investigated parameters are simulated. The results indicate that the natural frequencies are sensitive to the change of the middle surface radius and body length. It was also noted that the shear modes are more apparent for lower order vibrations, while the torsional moment modes are more significant for higher order vibrations. These results can be used both to optimize the dimensions of a UUV and to reduce its vibrations during operation.