Implementation of the Ocean Explorer AUV dock for use with the Morpheus AUV

This report highlights important aspects of previous work with the Ocean Explorer (OEX) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) docking system as a background. This includes short baseline navigation, the Tracking Controller, Mechanical aspects of the dock, and results of testing of the docking system for the OEX Details of the Morpheus AUV are then given along with the major concerns faced in trying to adapt the OEX dock to the Morpheus. Using computer simulation, the reaction of the Morpheus when it impacts the dock is explored and the results of at sea testing (the collision of the vehicle and the dock) is discussed. A stinger strength analysis of the docking components is included and finally, suggestions for future work including modifications of the existing dock as well as another docking scheme are presented.