Analysis of the Descent Process and Multi-Objective Optimization Design of a Benthic Lander

Abstract

The growing need for deep-sea biological research and environmental monitoring has expanded the demand for benthic landers. Compared with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), benthic landers can reduce overall operation cost and also possess longer endurance. Configuring a suitable descent velocity is important for benthic lander designs, helping them avoid retrieval failure and improve sea trial efficiencies. In this study, an effective scheme for the configuration and optimization of a self-developed benthic lander was outlined. First, the structural characteristics of the benthic lander were analyzed, and then a dynamic model was established. Second, the hydrodynamic coefficients of the benthic lander during its descent process were calculated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. Third, the MATLAB Simulink simulation environment was used to solve the dynamic model, and then the multi-objective optimization algorithm was introduced for the optimization design. Finally, the model was validated based on sea trial data, which demonstrated that the designed configuration and optimization scheme were correct and efficient. Collectively, this work provides a useful reference for the rational configuration and practical application of benthic landers.

Arcobacteraceae are ubiquitous mixotrophic bacteria playing important roles in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling in global oceans

“…Five incubation samples amended with wood chips, wheat bran, fish scales, fish tissue, and fish oil (DHA and EPA) were mounted on the deep-sea in situ microbial incubator (DIMI) in the form of a deep-sea lander and in situ incubated at a flat-topped seamount in the Pacific Ocean (20.4059567° N, 160.7700883° E; 1,622 m water depth) on 2 August 2017 during the 45th voyage of the Chinese Ocean. In brief, the DIMI is a self-return deep-sea microorganism in situ enrichment system that is deployed at the interface of deep-sea seawater and sediment, and incubations are not in contact with the sediment ( 47 ). Approximately 10 g of solid substrate or 5 mL liquid substrate was directly placed into a 50-mL tube and then mounted on the DIMI.…”