Proof-of-concept prototype development of the self-propelled capsule system for pipeline inspection.

This paper studies the prototype development for the self-propelled capsule system which is driven by autogenous vibrations and impacts under external resistance forces. This project aims for proof-of-concept of its locomotion in pipeline environment in order to mitigate the technical complexities and difficulties brought by current pressure-driven pipeline inspection technologies. Non-smooth multibody dynamics is applied to describe the motion of the capsule system, and two non-smooth nonlinearities, friction and impact, are considered in modelling.