In this study, a modified Block A* algorithm is applied to the path planning of hybrid-driven underwater gliders, which combine the buoyancy-driven mode of underwater gliders and the propeller-driven mode of autonomous underwater vehicles, in the ocean environment characterized by strong currents. The objective is to predict a sequence of steering directions and the appropriate driving mode, such that vehicles can minimize their energy consumption to reach the goal region. In this work, we modify the path generation approach of the original Block A* algorithm to gain more realistic paths for hybrid-driven underwater gliders and apply an effective energy consumption model in the heap value calculation to find energy-cost optimal paths. Zermelo's function is also incorporated to select the driving mode. The performance of the presented method is then discussed by conducting simulations in three different ocean environments. The results indicate that compared to other methods, the modified Block A* method avoids local turbulent flow and gains feasible paths for hybrid-driven underwater gliders at a lower energy cost.

Nowadays, with the escalating tensions in maritime dispute and the development of marine economy, there has been renewed interest in seaplanes for their special capacity of taking off and landing on water. Prediction of take-off performance, involving aerodynamic analysis and hydrodynamic analysis, is a main challenge in seaplane design, while the prediction methods have been little improved since the 1960s. This paper aims to investigate the attitude and resistance characteristics of a seaplane at different speeds during the take-off by numerically modeling the air-water flow field using RANS equations with VOF method. The trim and heave motion of seaplane in response to aerodynamic forces, hydrodynamic forces, hydrostatic forces, and propeller thrust was realized by solving rigid body dynamics equations and adopting dynamic overset mesh technique. The variations in heave, trim angle, and resistance characteristics during the takeoff were investigated, and their inherent relationships with the aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and hydrostatic performance were revealed. Particular investigation on the hydrodynamic resistance indicates that the stagnation line located at the convex bow would contribute a considerable increase of pressure resistance at the first hump, and the trim angel of a seaplane should be operated in an optimum trim range, typical between 4–6 deg, to minimize the hydrodynamic resistance at the second hump. Additionally, the dynamic motion convergence study proves that the utilization of damping terms was an effective way to accelerate the convergence of the dynamic motion ending with a quasi-static state.

Shape optimization has important effects on drag reduction of the near-space airship. This paper uses the Bezier curve to parameterize the hull of the airship. Based on multiple island genetic algorithms, the optimization platform combined with different programs is established, and a kind of low drag hull is obtained by optimization. Force measurement and flow observation wind tunnel test are used to research the aerodynamic characteristics of the ellipsoid hull and the optimized hull. Results show that, optimization mainly increases the volume ratio and the favorable pressure gradient region of the hull, therefore the surface area is reduced and transition position of the hull can be delayed. Compared with the LOTTE shape, transition position of the optimized shape moved backward by 13.78%, and the volume drag coefficient is reduced by 11.1%. It is known from the wind tunnel test that compared with the ellipsoid hull, transition position of the optimized shape moves backward obviously. Under the condition that the volume Reynolds number is 2.97 × 10⁶, compared with the ellipsoid hull, volume drag coefficient of the optimized shape can reduce by 39.0%.

Solar drones have garnered considerably research attention in recent years due to their continuous cruising capability, and the feasibility of design schemes is sensitive to the weight of structure. Sandwich box beam composed of carbon fiber and polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam is conducive to realize the lightweight of structure. In this study, a two-stage optimization design methodology for sandwich box beam is proposed. This methodology is primarily based on a low-order analytical method for evaluating stress/deflection and the linear buckling analysis method combined with experimental correction factor for predicting the buckling eigenvalues. Subsequently, a case study was conducted using an 18-m wingspan solar drone, where the results of mechanical test verified the optimization results. For validating the use of sandwich box beam in solar drones of other scales, additional analysis was conducted based on three aspects: a) effects of stiffness and stability constraints on the design of sandwich box beam; b) crucial role of the weight of foam inter layer and application scope of sandwich box beam; c) best method to improve the buckling eigenvalue of sandwich box beam. Overall, the methodology and general rules presented in this paper can support the design of light wing beam for solar drones.

Wing–in–ground crafts will face waves with different amplitudes when flying over the ocean, and the high amplitude situations are especially lack of exploration. Hence, the aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA 4412 airfoil in proximity to the wavy water surface for various wave amplitudes are inspected in this paper. By solving Navier–Stokes equations, the lift coefficients of the airfoil when the angle of attack ranges from 0° to 4° are obtained. The results show that the fluctuation amplitudes of aerodynamic coefficients increase remarkably with successive increases in the wave amplitude and might threaten flight safety. The flow fields at 0° with low and high wave amplitudes are investigated. It is revealed that the upward movement of the water surface is the critical factor for the change of aerodynamics, and the mechanism varies with different wave amplitudes. Comparison of the flow fields at 0° and 2° further indicates that the influence of high amplitude waves depends on the distance between the leading edge of the airfoil and the water surface. This study discovers the reasons for the different aerodynamic characteristics under various wave amplitudes and angles of attack, and is of great value for the design of wing–in–ground crafts.