Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Fall 11-23-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

December 2025

Department

Ocean and Mechanical Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Pierre-Philippe Beaujean

Abstract

Autonomous Underwater Landing Vehicles allow for seafloor data to be taken in multiple locations with little to no human intervention. The movement of these vehicles needs to be analyzed through simulated to ensure the correct programming of vehicle missions. This analysis includes the surface navigation, the drift experienced by the vehicle during descent, and the seafloor stability of the vehicle. The results then inform the limitations of this vehicle and the necessary adjustments to subsequent versions. Surface navigation allows understanding of vehicle movement between ascent locations, waypoints, and descent locations. Drift during descent allows for visual of the vehicle’s movements below the surface once the GPS location of the vehicle is no longer available. Seafloor stability is important for the environment the vehicle can handle once it has landed in terms of the seafloor slope, direction of the current, and speed of the current.

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