Adapting to the rough seas using a tunable stiffness soft robot

The interaction between fluids and flexible structures is ubiquitous, with examples found in both animal locomotion and bio-inspired engineering devices. Flexibility enables adaptation to change in fluid flow by bending, twisting, and countering the oncoming flow. This has significant applications for bio-inspired robots where efficiency, manoeuvrability, and obstacle avoidance are crucial requirements. Additionally, tuning and controlling the flexibility of the control surfaces, particularly in response to gusts, can further enhance the advantages. The flow around flexible control surfaces, especially in underwater robots, is characterised by nonlinear and unsteady phenomena resulting from high amplitude pitch kinematics and intricate fluid-structure interactions. The broad scope of this study is to develop a soft robotic control surface with tunable stiffness properties that can quickly respond to varying inflow conditions. The robot will be tested in Southampton's recirculating water tunnel using particle image velocimetry and direct force measurements. Appropriate control techniques will be explored and implemented. Motivated candidates with knowledge/interest in aerodynamics, design, experimentation, and data analysis are encouraged to apply. Any experience with robotics and particle image velocimetry would be beneficial.