Date of Award

5-4-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Professor Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Group 17H was tasked by Raytheon Technologies with the preliminary design of a Deployable Underwater Control Surface (DUCS) system for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The objective of this project is to develop a compact, reliable, and cost-effective mechanism capable of deploying and actuating control surfaces while maintaining watertight integrity under deep-sea operating conditions.

This report documents the entire engineering process of this undertaking, from early ideation and preparation to final manufacture, assembly, operation, and testing. This process was the culmination of careful planning, design execution, performance testing, and reactive product iteration to meet the stated objectives as thoroughly as possible.

The final design utilizes a lead screw-based deployment mechanism combined with a dual servo motor pitching schema to achieve simultaneous deployment and ±30° control surface actuation. The system was designed to satisfy key project requirements including compatibility within a 7- inch cylindrical body, deployment in under five seconds, operation with zero water ingress, and some work regarding implementation of corrosion resistant materials.

Engineering analysis was conducted throughout this process to validate system performance and adherence to project requirements. This included hydrodynamic loading calculations, deployment speed validation, FEA analysis of high strain components, material selection analysis, and manufacturability considerations. A prototype was manufactured through a combination of additive manufacturing methods, metal fabrication, and polycarbonate laser cutting, integrated with a custom electrical and control system capable of coordinating deployment and pitching operations.

Experimental testing demonstrated successful simultaneous deployment and control surface actuation while also identifying several areas requiring redesign and refinement. Iterative modifications were made to the wet-body section, servo enclosure geometry, sealing interfaces, and component integration methods to improve reliability, manufacturability, and overall system robustness. The completed proof-of-concept demonstrated the viability of a compact deployable underwater control surface mechanism and established a strong foundation for future development and underwater implementation.

Comments

Team Name: Team 17H - Deployable Underwater Control Surfaces - D.U.C.S

Company Sponsor: Raytheon Technologies

Document Reference: URI-MCE-2026-FDR-017H

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