Dimensional control of cylindrical structures for unmanned underwater vehicles: Comparative study of the most advanced techniques

Unmanned underwater vehicles require a hull resistant to immersion and, therefore, to hydrostatic pressure, which places high demands on its design, manufacture and inspection, where dimensional control is a fundamental part of the verification of the shapes of the structure. In this research, a comparison is made of the dimensional control techniques currently used for the naval sector and their viability in the field of unmanned underwater vehicles. A cylindrical body steel model will be measured, with the characteristic dimensions of the unmanned underwater vehicles, executing tests using three measurement techniques, such as the optical measurement of surface points, the surface probing technology and the surface laser scanner with large volume of points. Experimental data will be provided in terms of mean diameter of the sections that make up the hull, defect of circularity and position of the optimum centre, which will lead to the development of a guide of good practices for selecting and using each technique depending on the requirements and demands of the unmanned underwater vehicle under study.