ROV Design Optimization: Effect on Stability and Drag force

Design of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) is essential in underwater research. The design relies on a set of conditions and specifications related to the mission and payload of the robot. This paper reports the methodology of the design, which has been studied at the mechanical engineering department-faculty of engineering of the Lebanese University. The main issues addressed in this study are: directional drag minimization, symmetry, optimized thruster positioning, static and dynamic stability and layout of ROV components. This paper focusses on the methodology of the optimizing of ROV design performance.