Dynamics Modeling and Hydrodynamic Coefficients Identification of the Wave Glider

Abstract

The wave glider is an ocean-wave-propelled autonomous marine vehicle with unique dual-body architecture, which can converse the energy obtained from the ocean wave into the forward thrust. In this paper, the dynamic models of the submerged glider based on dynamic characteristics of tandem hydrofoils and the surface float were separately established. The pitching angles of the hydrofoils and the submerged glider and the angle of attack between hydrofoils and relative current were considered for dynamic models and hydrodynamic coefficients. The translational hydrodynamic coefficient term for high-angle-of-attack passive motion of the submerged glider was calculated from static test simulations by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Moreover, the rotational damping coefficients and added mass coefficients varying with the pitching angle of hydrofoils were analyzed by the simulation of the vertical planar motion mechanism (VPMM) tests. Furthermore, the numerical simulation of longitudinal motion with the computed hydrodynamic coefficients was performed, and the simulation results were compared with the sea trial data. The analysis was performed, and conclusions were drawn, which would provide a theoretical reference for the design of the wave glider.