A Speed Control Method for Underwater Vehicle under Hydraulic Flexible Traction

Underwater vehicle speed control methodology method is the focus of research in this study. Driven by a hydraulic flexible traction system, the underwater vehicle advances steadily on underwater guide rails, simulating an underwater environment for the carried device. Considering the influence of steel rope viscoelasticity and the control system traction structure feature, a mathematical model of the underwater vehicle driven by hydraulic flexible traction system is established. A speed control strategy is then proposed based on the sliding mode variable structure of fuzzy reaching law, according to nonlinearity and external variable load of the vehicle speed control system. Sliding mode variable structure control theory for the nonlinear system allows an improved control effect for movements in "sliding mode" when compared with conventional control. The fuzzy control theory is also introduced, weakening output chattering caused by the sliding mode control switchover while producing high output stability. Matlab mathematical simulation and practical test verification indicate the speed control method as effective in obtaining accurate control results, thus inferring strong practical significance for engineering applications.