An experimental study of voice-coil driven synthetic jet propulsion for underwater vehicles

This paper investigates the thrust and flow structures produced by submerged synthetic jet actuators. Inspired by the propulsion methods of many sea creatures, such as jellyfish, squids, and salps; synthetic jets use vortex rings to create a net thrust. To assess the potential usability of these thrusters for propulsion and maneuvering of small underwater vehicles, a range of synthetic jet thruster prototypes were built, and both flow visualization and thrust measurement experiments were executed. Based on the experimental results obtained from these models, we discuss the feasibility of using these thrusters on small, slow, but maneuverable vehicles.