Constrained multi-body dynamics for modular underwater robots - Theory and experiments

This paper investigates the problem of modelling a system of interconnected underwater robots with highly coupled dynamics. The objective is to develop a mathematical description of the system that captures its most significant dynamics. The proposed modelling method is based on active constraint enforcement by utilising the Udwadia-Kalaba Formulation for multi-body dynamics. The required description of a rigid constraint is defined, derived and implemented into a system of interconnected sub-models. An exhaustive experimental validation is conducted on a two-vehicle system, including towing tank tests on a BlueROV vehicle to determine the model parameters. The applicability of the modelling approach is assessed by comparing experimental data to simulations of an equivalent model synthesised using the proposed theory.