Preliminary design of an autonomous underwater vehicle using multi-objective optimization

• Main Author: Margonis, Sotirios
• Other Authors: Gordis, Joshua
• Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2014
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/41415; http://hdl.handle.net/10945/41415

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. === The aim of this work is to explore the applicability and usability of multi-objective optimization into various aspects of the design of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). First, I begin with an introduction of the systems engineering design process and the background work for the multi-objective optimization process. Furthermore, I investigate and analyze the existing multi-objective optimization methods in decision making. I focus on various design aspects of an AUV such as the hull design, the weight distribution, the propulsion and, especially, the power supply technology. The objectives I used in the model are the minimization of the power needed to propel the vehicle and the maximization of both the weight of the energy section and the total range. Implementation of both the model and the optimization are carried out using Matlab, particularly the global optimization toolbox and the multi-objective genetic algorithm solver, whereas a special case of two objectives is implemented in Excel using Visual Basic and Excel solver. This research also explores the potential for a designer to use goals in the multi-objective optimization as well as approaches that let a designer choose one particular solution once all Pareto optimal solutions are found.