Combustion in soft and compliant materials may enable new methods for underwater locomotion. Inspired by the motion of the soft bodied cephalopods, we developed a combustion-powered hydro-jet engine (CPHJE) using an expandable silicone bladder. The CPHJE used high energy density methane combustion to expand a silicone bladder and accelerate water into a hydro-jet that propelled the CPHJE. For this project, I worked on the design and development of the novel robot, as well as analyzed and collected robot movement data.
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