About this video

• Video Title: Engineering The Fastest Underwater Human (V2)
• Channel: CPSdrone
• Speakers: Not specified
• Duration: 00:19:24

Overview

This video documents the process of engineering and testing an advanced underwater propulsion system designed to achieve the fastest possible human speed underwater. The creator aims to surpass the speed of a great white shark, encountering and overcoming various technical challenges, aerodynamic issues, and equipment failures along the way.

Key takeaways

• The project's goal is to create a 25 horsepower underwater vehicle capable of reaching speeds faster than a great white shark.
• Initial tests revealed issues with the motor speed controllers (ESCs) on the highest speed mode, causing motors to stop working.
• A hydrodynamic analysis identified areas of drag, including handles, motor mounts, and the human body's position, leading to design modifications for a more streamlined shape.
• The team utilized metal 3D printing for improved component durability and aerodynamics.
• Unexpected issues arose, such as a significant reduction in motor thrust due to limitations in the ESCs, and propeller failures.
• The problem of the vehicle spinning due to identical propellers was solved by creating mirrored propellers using resin 3D printing.
• Despite numerous setbacks, including equipment damage and water leaks, the final recorded speed achieved was 18 km/h, though the target of 25 km/h (shark speed) was not met.

The video mentions the use of:

• 25 horsepower vehicle (implied as the core propulsion system)
• Two large electrical boat motors
• Batteries
• Motor speed controllers (ESCs), specifically mentioning initial ones and later upgrading to VESC (then reverting to a cheaper, non-limiting ESC, and later to more expensive ESCs)
• 3D printed parts, including upgrades made from 316 stainless steel and metal 3D printing by JLC 3DP.
• Resin 3D printer (Form 4 by Formlabs) and tough 2000 resin for printing propellers.
• Water polo helmet for ear protection testing.
• A rig for measuring motor thrust.
• A hydrodynamic simulation program (Airshaper).