Comparative Study on Propulsion Types of Small Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

The paper concludes the application scope and application prospect of various propulsion types,on the basis of selecting typical cases and analyzing the characteristics of their propulsion types.We divided various propulsion types into 3 classes:combined propulsion with rudder paddle,propulsion imitating underwater biological and hybrid propulsion.Comparatively studying the advantages and disadvantages of each propulsion type,we concluded that undulatory propulsion by a long flexible fin has wide application prospect due to its characteristics including being low-disturbing and stable in low speed.However,there are still much innovation work needed to develop deeply investigation,to improve efficiency of undulatory propulsion and propulsion capability of carrier.