Numerical Investigation of Underwater Vehicle Maneuvering under Static Drift Conditions

Abstract

The hydrodynamic behavior of underwater vehicles is crucial for achieving optimal maneuverability and energy efficiency in various underwater environments, thereby ensuring effective underwater operations. This research addresses the drift characteristics of an underwater vehicle by conducting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. DARPA Suboff model was used to analyze its maneuvering characteristics under static drift conditions at a velocity of 3.34 m/s and drift angles ranging from 0 to 18 degrees with 2-degree intervals. The simulations replicate actual sea conditions using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations combined with the k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model. The computational domain and boundary conditions are carefully defined to optimize the computational cost. The results revealed a significant decrease in longitudinal force when the drift angle increased, while the lateral force and yaw moment showed substantial increases, indicating the complex interactions between drift angles and hydrodynamic performance. This research provides valuable insights into the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on underwater vehicles, contributing to their design optimization for improved stability and efficiency.