PROJECT APN009

Next Generation Composite Flipper

Bluebottle-class unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are innovative autonomous solutions developed by Ocius for continuous maritime surveillance. The technology has applications across oil and gas, security and scientific research, and is enhancing a range of maritime defence missions such as mine clearance, patrolling, environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations.

The Ocius Bluebottle uses wave energy facilitated by a fibre reinforced laminated composite rudder, or ‘flipper’, at the front of the vessel, which provides passive thrust. It is currently operating well but has limitations when used in strong winds.

This project aims to design and manufacture the next generation composite flipper for these vessels, for optimal propulsion thus operation even in the toughest weather conditions and no matter what the state of the sea. It will leverage an innovative automated manufacturing procedure, integrating multidisciplinary techniques including scientific computing, optimisation, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

Simulation technology development could also be applied to aero and hydrodynamic simulation of composite structures, such as surfboards, with improved efficiency of design and manufacturing guidance for robust flippers and similar products putting Australia at the forefront in smart and automated manufacturing.

ACM CRC Research Programs

Project Partners

Ocius Technology
University of New South Wales

Project Leaders

Robert Dane, Ocius
Fangbao Tian, UNSW Canberra

Year commenced

2024

The 'rudder flipper' came out of biomimicry and was developed by trial and error into a third method of propulsion on a Bluebottle Uncrewed Surface Vessel besides sun and wind. It also acts as a 'sea anchor' in bad weather pointing the bow into high seas which can go on for days. So the flipper needs to have properties of strength, resilience and memory and this 3-year project with ACM CRC will put scientific rigor around the design and manufacture and turn it into a real 'superpower.