Simulation of locomotion conditions of an enhanced vibration-driven in-pipe robot

The paper aims to analyze the improved design of an in-pipe vibration-driven robot, which is equipped with a self-locking mechanism, electromagnetic exciter, and size-adapting devices. The study focuses on examining the robot’s locomotion conditions at different working regimes. The research methodology contains four main stages: analysis of the design peculiarities of the enhanced wheeled in-pipe vibration-driven robot; developing a simplified dynamic diagram and deriving the differential equations to describe its locomotion conditions; carrying out numerical modeling with the help of Mathematica software to analyze the robot’s basic dynamic parameters; conducting virtual experiments and testing the robot locomotion characteristics by means of the computer simulation in SolidWorks Motion software. The results obtained include the time-based data on the robot’s displacement, speed, acceleration, and consumed power under different operating conditions, such as varying forced frequencies and excitation force amplitudes. The novelty of this investigation lies in identifying efficient working regimes for the improved wheeled vibration-driven robot intended for moving inside the pipelines. Future research will focus on developing a full-scale experimental prototype of the robot and conducting laboratory investigations at different working regimes. The findings of this research are valuable for scientists and engineers involved in the study and design of similar vibration-driven locomotion systems.