Characterization and Evaluation of Screw-Based Locomotion Across Aquatic, Granular, and Transitional Media
🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the optimization of screw-based propulsion systems across heterogeneous media—including water, dry sand, wet sand, saturated sand, and transitional environments. To identify the structural parameters governing cross-medium propulsion efficiency, we propose a radiator-inspired parametric classification method. Combining multi-medium comparative experiments with first-principles modeling, we systematically characterize the thrust-generation behavior of diverse screw geometries and elucidate the underlying medium-dependent mechanistic principles. The results yield interpretable, physics-grounded design guidelines for amphibious screw robots: specifically, optimal combinations of pitch, outer diameter, and blade inclination angle for each medium. These guidelines enable adaptive locomotion strategies and facilitate the development of multifunctional, integrated propulsion systems—thereby significantly enhancing cross-domain mobility efficiency and environmental robustness.
Application Category
📝 Abstract
Screw-based propulsion systems offer promising capabilities for amphibious mobility, yet face significant challenges in optimizing locomotion across water, granular materials, and transitional environments. This study presents a systematic investigation into the locomotion performance of various screw configurations in media such as dry sand, wet sand, saturated sand, and water. Through a principles-first approach to analyze screw performance, it was found that certain parameters are dominant in their impact on performance. Depending on the media, derived parameters inspired from optimizing heat sink design help categorize performance within the dominant design parameters. Our results provide specific insights into screw shell design and adaptive locomotion strategies to enhance the performance of screw-based propulsion systems for versatile amphibious applications.
Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
Optimizing screw propulsion across aquatic and granular environments
Analyzing dominant parameters for locomotion in transitional media
Developing adaptive screw shell designs for amphibious mobility
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
Screw-based propulsion for amphibious mobility
Systematic investigation of screw configurations in media
Insights into screw shell design and adaptive strategies
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