Numerical prediction of the effective wake profiles of a high-speed underwater vehicle with contra-rotating propellers

A numerical method is proposed to predict the effective wake profiles of high speed underwater vehicles propelled by contra-rotating propellers (CRPs), in which the hydrodynamic effects of the CRPs are simulated by distributed body forces. First, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are conducted for identical body-force distributions in open-water and self-propulsion conditions. The effective wake profiles at the CRP disks are then obtained by subtracting the velocities induced by the body forces in the open water from those induced by the body forces in the self-propulsion condition. The effective wake profiles were then predicted for a generic underwater vehicle with an established CRP design. Next, the hydrodynamic performance of the CRPs in the effective wake was computed using an in-house vortex-lattice code. The potential-flow results agree well with those provided by the RANS simulation under the self-propulsion condition, indicating that the proposed method can predict the effective wake profiles for CRPs with reasonable accuracy. The influences of different wake components on the blade forces were investigated, determining that for CRPs, and especially for the aft propeller, the circumferential wake cannot be neglected in the design.     

An efficient and robust approach to predict ship self-propulsion coefficients

Achieving a reliable and accurate numerical prediction of the self-propulsion performance of a ship is still an open problem that poses some relevant issues. Several CFD methods, ranging from boundary element methods (BEM) to higher-fidelity viscous Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) based solvers, can be used to accurately analyze the separate problems, i.e. the open water propeller and the hull calm water resistance. However, when the fully-coupled self-propulsion problem is considered, i.e. the hull advancing at uniform speed propelled by its own propulsion system, several complexities rise up. Typical flow simplifications adopted to speed-up the simulations of the single analysis (hull and propeller separately) lose their validity requiring a more complex solver to tackle the fully-coupled problem. The complexity rises up further when considering a maneuver condition. This aspect increases the computational burden and, consequently, the required time which becomes prohibitive in a preliminary ship design stage.The majority of the simplified methods proposed in literature to include propeller effects, without directly solve the propeller flow, in a high-fidelity viscous solver are not able to provide all the commonly required self-propulsion coefficients. In this work, a new method to enrich the results from a body force based approach is proposed and investigated, with the aim to reduce as much as possible the computational burden without losing any useful result. This procedure is tested for validation on the KCS hull form in self-propulsion and maneuver conditions.     

水下自主机器人水动力预报方法研究

针对水下机器人操纵性优化设计中水动力系数预报问题,在水下机器人水动力预报中引入艇体肥瘦指数概念,确定了水下机器人艇体几何描述的五参数模型。提出采用小波神经网络方法预报水下机器人水动力,确定了神经网络的结构,利用均匀试验设计方法,设计了神经网络的学习样本。研究结果表明,只要确定适当的输入参数,选择适当的学习样本和网络结构,利用小波神经网络方法对水下机器人水动力进行预报可以达到较好的精度。     

Numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic interaction between two underwater bodies in relative motion

The hydrodynamic interaction between an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) manoeuvring in close proximity to a larger underwater vehicle can cause rapid changes in the motion of the AUV. This interaction can lead to mission failure and possible vehicle collision. Being self-piloted and comparatively small, an AUV is more susceptible to these interaction effects than the larger body. In an aim to predict the manoeuvring performance of an AUV under the effects of the interaction, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) has conducted a series of computer simulations and captive model experiments. A numerical model was developed to simulate pure sway motion of an AUV at different lateral and longitudinal positions relative to a larger underwater vehicle using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs). The variables investigated include the surge force, sway force and the yaw moment coefficients acting on the AUV due to interaction effects, which were in turn validated against experimental results. A simplified method is presented to obtain the hydrodynamic coefficients of an AUV when operating close to a larger underwater body by transforming the single body hydrodynamic coefficients of the AUV using the steady-state interaction forces. This method is considerably less time consuming than traditional methods. Furthermore, the inverse of this method (i.e. to obtain the steady state interaction force) is also presented to obtain the steady-state interaction force at multiple lateral separations efficiently. Both the CFD model and the simplified methods have been validated against the experimental data and are capable of providing adequate interaction predictions. Such methods are critical for accurate prediction of vehicle performance under varying conditions present in real life.     

Investigation of a method for predicting AUV derivatives

The paper addresses the problem of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) modelling and parameter estimation as a means to predict the dynamic performance of underwater vehicles and thus provide solid guidelines during their design phase. The use of analytical and semi-empirical (ASE) methods to estimate the hydrodynamic derivatives of a popular class of AUVs is discussed. A comparison is done with the results obtained by using computational fluid dynamics to evaluate the bare hull lift force distribution around a fully submerged body. An application is made to the estimation of the hydrodynamic derivatives of the MAYA AUV, an autonomous underwater vehicle developed under a joint Indian-Portuguese project. The estimates obtained were used to predict the turning diameter of the vehicle during sea trials.     

Experimental investigation of hydrodynamic force coefficients over AUV hull form

Extensive use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in oceanographic applications necessitates investigation into the hydrodynamic forces acting over an AUV hull form operating under deeply submerged condition. This paper presents a towing tank-based experimental study on forces and moment on AUV hull form in the vertical plane. The AUV hull form considered in the present program is a 1:2 model of the standard hull form Afterbody1. The present measurements were carried out at typical speeds of autonomous underwater vehicles (0.4-1.4 m/s) by varying pitch angles (0-15°). The hydrodynamic forces and moment are measured by an internally mounted multi-component strain gauge type balance. The measurements were used to study variation of axial, normal, drag, lift and pitching moment coefficients with Reynolds number (Re) and angle of attack. The measurements have also been used to validate results obtained from a CFD code that uses Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes equations (ANSYS™ Fluent). The axial and normal force coefficients are increased by 18% and 195%; drag, lift and pitching moment coefficients are increased by 90%, 182% and 297% on AUV hull form at α=15° and Re_v=3.65×10⁵. These results can give better idea for the efficient design of guidance and control systems for AUV.     

Simulation of turning circle by CFD: Analysis of different propeller models and their effect on manoeuvring prediction

Propeller modelling in CFD simulations is a key issue for the correct prediction of hull-propeller interactions, manoeuvring characteristics and the flow field in the stern region of a marine vehicle. From this point of view, actuator disk approaches have proved their reliability and computational efficiency; for these reasons, they are commonly used for the analysis of propulsive performance of a ship. Nevertheless, these models often neglect peculiar physical phenomena which characterise the operating propeller in off-design condition, namely the in-plane loads that are of paramount importance when considering non-standard or unusual propeller/rudder arrangements. In order to emphasize the importance of these components (in particular the propeller lateral force) and the need of a detailed propeller model for the correct prediction of the manoeuvring qualities of a ship, the turning circle manoeuvre of a self-propelled fully appended twin screw tanker-like ship model with a single rudder is simulated by the unsteady RANS solver χnavis developed at CNR-INSEAN; several propeller models able to include the effect of the strong oblique flow component encountered during a manoeuvre have been considered and compared. It is emphasized that, despite these models account for very complex and fundamental physical effects, which would be lost by a traditional actuator disk approach, the increase in computational resources is almost negligible. The accuracy of these models is assessed by comparison with experimental data from free running tests. The main features of the flow field, with particular attention to the vortical structures detached from the hull are presented as well.     

Evaluation of manoeuvring coefficients of a self-propelled ship using a blade element momentum propeller model coupled to a Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes flow solver

The use of an unsteady computational fluid dynamic analysis of the manoeuvring performance of a self-propelled ship requires a large computational resource that restricts its use as part of a ship design process. A method is presented that significantly reduces computational cost by coupling a blade element momentum theory (BEMT) propeller model with the solution of the Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations. The approach allows the determination of manoeuvring coefficients for a self-propelled ship travelling straight ahead, at a drift angle and for differing rudder angles. The swept volume of the propeller is divided into discrete annuli for which the axial and tangential momentum changes of the fluid passing through the propeller are balanced with the blade element performance of each propeller section. Such an approach allows the interaction effects between hull, propeller and rudder to be captured. Results are presented for the fully appended model scale self-propelled KRISO very large crude carrier 2 (KVLCC2) hull form undergoing static rudder and static drift tests at a Reynolds number of 4.6×10⁶ acting at the ship self-propulsion point. All computations were carried out on a typical workstation using a hybrid finite volume mesh size of 2.1×10⁶ elements. The computational uncertainty is typically 2–3% for side force and yaw moment.     

Numerical analysis of control surface effects on AUV manoeuvrability

Computational fluid dynamics, CFD, is becoming an essential tool in the prediction of the hydrodynamic efforts and flow characteristics of underwater vehicles for manoeuvring studies. However, when applied to the manoeuvrability of autonomous underwater vehicles, AUVs, most studies have focused on the determination of static coefficients without considering the effects of the vehicle control surface deflection. This paper analyses the hydrodynamic efforts generated on an AUV considering the combined effects of the control surface deflection and the angle of attack using CFD software based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes formulations. The CFD simulations are also independently conducted for the AUV bare hull and control surface to better identify their individual and interference efforts and to validate the simulations by comparing the experimental results obtained in a towing tank. Several simulations of the bare hull case were conducted to select the k–ω SST turbulent model with the viscosity approach that best predicts its hydrodynamic efforts. Mesh sensitivity analyses were conducted for all simulations. For the flow around the control surfaces, the CFD results were analysed according to two different methodologies, standard and nonlinear. The nonlinear regression methodology provides better results than the standard methodology does for predicting the stall at the control surface. The flow simulations have shown that the occurrence of the control surface stall depends on a linear relationship between the angle of attack and the control surface deflection. This type of information can be used in designing the vehicle's autopilot system.     

An extensive analysis of numerical ship self-propulsion prediction via a coupled BEM/RANS approach

The paper deals with the self-propulsion problem, i.e. the solution of the flow around the hull that advances at uniform speed due to the action of its own propeller. A coupled BEM/RANS approach, previously proposed for a simpler case with only rudder and propeller, has been extensively analysed to highlight the strength and the weakness of the method. The proposed analyses consider the influence of different turbulence modelling, the role of the interpolating algorithm for the inclusion of body forces into the RANS domain, a mesh and simulation time step sensitivity study and the influence of the extrapolation procedure for the definition of the effective wake to the propeller in the light of the lightest and the most affordable computational setup for daily accurate calculations. At first, the well-known Kriso Container Ship (KCS) test case is considered. This ship has been widely investigated in the context of different research projects and a large amount of data (both measurements and numerical calculations) is available to validate the solution approach and to highlight the benefits, as well as the weaknesses, of the proposed coupled BEM/RANS approach versus established but computationally demanding calculations based only on RANS simulations. Once the approach has been developed and validated via the KCS test case, calculations have been repeated in the case of completely different ships, in order to evaluate its general applicability and to test the robustness and the reliability of the proposed procedure.     

Influence of Ice Size Parameter Variation on Hydrodynamic Performance of Podded Propulsor

During ice-breaking navigation, a massive amount of crushed ice blocks with different sizes is accumulated under the hull of an ice-going ship. This ice slides into the flow field in the forward side of the podded propulsor, affecting the surrounding flow field and aggravating the non-uniformity of the propeller wake. A pulsating load is formed on the propeller, which affects the hydrodynamic performance of the podded propulsor. To study the changes in the propeller hydrodynamic performance during the ice podded propulsor interaction, the overlapping grid technique is used to simulate the unsteady hydrodynamic performance of the podded propulsor at different propeller rotation angles and different ice block sizes. Hence, the hydrodynamic blade behavior during propeller rotation under the interaction between the ice and podded propulsor is discussed. The unsteady propeller loads and surrounding flow fields obtained for ice blocks with different sizes interacting with the podded propulsor are analyzed in detail. The variation in the hydrodynamic performance during the circular motion of a propeller and the influence of ice size variation on the propeller thrust and torque are determined. The calculation results have certain reference significance for experiment-based research, theoretical calculations and numerical simulation concerning ice podded propulsor interaction.     

Toward an improved understanding of thruster dynamics forunderwater vehicles

This paper proposes a novel approach to modeling the four quadrant dynamic response of thrusters as used for the motion control of ROV and AUV underwater vehicles. The significance is that these vehicles are small in size and respond quickly to commands. Precision in motion control will require further understanding of thruster performance than is currently available. The model includes a four quadrant mapping of the propeller blades lift and drag forces and is coupled with motor and fluid system dynamics. A series of experiments is described for both long and short period triangular, as well as square wave inputs. The model is compared favorably with experimental data for a variety of differing conditions and predicts that force overshoots are observed under conditions of rapid command changes. Use of the model will improve the control of dynamic thrust on these vehicles     

Computational and Empirical Investigation of Propeller Tip Vortex Cavitation Noise

In this study, non-cavitating and cavitating flow around the benchmark DTMB 4119 model propeller are solved using both viscous and potential based solvers. Cavitating and non-cavitating propeller radiated noises are then predicted by using a hybrid method in which RANS(Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes) and FWH(Ffowcs Williams Hawkings) equations are solved together in open water conditions. Sheet cavitation on the propeller blades is modelled by using a VOF(Volume of Fiuld) method equipped with Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model.Nevertheless, tip vortex cavitation noise is estimated by using two different semi-empirical techniques, namely Tip Vortex Index(TVI, based on potential flow theory) and Tip Vortex Contribution(TVC). As the reference distance between noise source and receiver is not defined in open water case for TVI technique, one of the outputs of this study is to propose a reference distance for TVI technique by coupling two semi-empirical techniques and ITTC distance normalization. At the defined distance, the starting point of the tip vortex cavitation is determined for different advance ratios and cavitation numbers using potential flow solver. Also, it is examined that whether the hybrid method and potential flow solver give the same noise results at the inception point of tip vortex cavitation.Results show that TVI method based on potential flow theory is reliable and can practically be used to replace the hybrid method(RANS with FWH approach) when tip vortex cavitation starts.     

Propulsive performance of a tanker hull form in damaged conditions

Many disastrous oil spill accidents from damaged vessels become worse especially when the early treatment is not prompt enough. To properly handle this type of accidents and prevent further disasters, International Maritime Organization establishes and imposes various rules and regulations. Better understanding of the propulsive performance of damaged vessels is important for containing the oil spill while the vessels are being towed or self-propelled. In the present study, both experimental and computational methods were used to investigate the flow phenomena around the hull and the hydrodynamic performances of a VLCC in various damaged conditions. From the resistance and self-propulsion test results, it is found that higher power is required to propel the ship especially with the bow trim. Wake measurement data provide physical insight into the factors to be considered for the propeller operation in damaged conditions.     

Method for estimating parameters of practical ship manoeuvring models based on the combination of RANSE computations and System Identification

In this work a method for estimating parameters of practical ship manoeuvring models based on the combination of RANSE computations and System Identification procedure is investigated, considering as test case a rather slender twin screw and two rudders ship. The approach consists in the estimation of the hydrodynamic coefficients applying System Identification to a set of free running manoeuvres obtained from an in-house unsteady RANS equations solver, which substitute the usually adopted experimental tests at model or full scale. In this alternative procedure the numerical quasi-trials (in terms of kinematic parameters time histories and, if needed, forces time histories) are used as input for the System Identification procedure; the aim of this approach is to reduce external disturbances that, if not properly considered in the mathematical model, may compromise the identification results, or at least amplify the well-known “cancellation effects”. Furthermore, the CFD results provide information both in terms of flow field variables and hydrodynamic forces on the manoeuvring ship. These data may be adopted for a better understanding of the complex flow during manoeuvres, especially at stern, providing also additional information about the interaction between the various appendages (including rudders) and the hull. The identification procedure is based on an off-line genetic algorithm used for minimizing the discrepancy between the reference manoeuvres from CFD and those simulated with the system based modular model. The discrepancy was measured considering different metric functions and simplified formulations which consider only the main macroscopic parameters of the manoeuvre; the metrics have been analyzed in terms of their capability in reproducing the time histories and in limiting the cancellation effect of the hydrodynamic derivatives.     

AUV重力测量的运动加速度建模及平台优选

针对适合捷联式重力仪的AUV搭载平台的选型问题,基于国内AUV实际航行数据,分析了多推进器组合、推进器和浮力舱组合、推进器和鳍舵组合等3类AUV的定深航行运动特性;推导了AUV水下航行在3个坐标轴方向上对重力仪产生的运动加速度计算公式,得到运动加速度与AUV水下6个自由度运动要素的解析表达式;基于运动加速度分析,讨论了适用于水下移动重力测量的AUV平台和推进装置设计,进行了AUV搭载平台的优选,并给出了重力仪安装位置建议;选定的AUV实验平台实施移动重力测量验证试验重复线精度达到0.42mGal,验证了搭载平台优选的有效性。     

Relevance of transition turbulent model for hydrodynamic characteristics of low Reynolds number propeller

The propeller of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operates at low Reynolds number in laminar to turbulent transition region. The performance of these propellers can be calculated accurately using RANSE solver with γ − Re_θ transition model. In this study, the global and local hydrodynamic characteristics of open and ducted propeller are investigated using the γ − Re_θ transition model. The capability of the γ − Re_θ transition model to capture laminar to turbulent transition on the surface of the open propeller is demonstrated by comparison with published experimental results. The application of transition model for the propeller K_a-4-70 inside the duct 19A shows that the centrifugal forces are dominant at low Reynolds number and the flow is mainly directed in the radial direction. The transition model is able to predict complex flow physics such as leading-edge separation, tip leakage vortex, and the separation bubble on outer surface of the duct. The accurate prediction of these flow phenomenon can lead to correct calculation of global hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on the propeller at low Reynolds number.     

Hydrodynamic derivatives and motion response of a submersible surface ship in unbounded water

A submersible surface ship (SSS) is based on a novel concept that the SSS goes on surface like conventional ships in moderate seas but goes underwater in rough seas to the depth sufficient to avoid wave effects. The SSS has a wing system that produces downward lift to go underwater with preserving the residual buoyancy for its safety. The SSS is expected to be able to keep both safety and punctuality even if it encounters unexpected bad weather.The motion of the SSS is studied. The equations of motion are formulated and the procedures for estimating hydrodynamic derivatives are presented. The hydrodynamic derivatives are estimated for a SSS having a configuration, a hull with a pair of main wings and a pair of horizontal tail wings. Using these estimated hydrodynamic derivatives, calculation of the SSS motion is carried out.The calculation results show some specific aspects of the SSS especially for effects of the elevator of main wings and horizontal tail wings, aileron of main wings, rudder and propeller revolution. It is confirmed that the existence of static roll restoring moment and having large hull comparing with wing area play important roles in the motion of the SSS.     

Afterbody shaping and transition prediction for a laminar flow underwater vehicle

The afterbody design of a laminar-flow underwater vehicle is considered with particular emphasis on integrating the propeller design with that of the hull. A relatively simple cruciform fin and single stage propeller is adopted for the low-drag hull and thrust deduction effects are discussed. Two well-known empirical correlations for predicting transition were evaluated. The two-dimensional form of the Cebeci-Smith correlation equation appears to work well, even in this axisymmetric case, although there is little theoretical justification for using such a model.     

Numerical investigation on the hydrodynamic characteristics of a marine propeller operating in oblique inflow

The hydrodynamic characteristics of a marine propeller operating in oblique inflow are investigated by using CFD method. Two propellers with different geometries are selected as the study subjects. RANS simulation is carried out for the propellers working at a wide range of advance coefficients and incidence angles. The effects of axial inflow and lateral inflow are demonstrated with the hydrodynamic force on the propeller under different working conditions. Based on the obtained flow field details, the hydrodynamic mechanism of propeller operating in oblique inflow is analyzed further. The trailing vortex wake of propeller is highly affected by the lateral inflow, resulting in the deflected development path and the circumferentially non-uniform structure, as well as the enhanced axial velocity in slipstream. Different flow patterns are observed on the propeller blade with the variation of circumferential position. Combined with the computed hydrodynamic forces and pressure distribution on propeller, the mechanism resulting in the increase of propulsive loads and the generation of propeller side force is explored. Finally, a systematic analysis is carried out for the propulsive loads and propeller side force as a function of axial and lateral advance coefficients. The major terms that play a dominant role in the modeling of propulsive loads and propeller side force are determined through the sensitivity analysis. This study provides a deeper insight into the hydrodynamic characteristics of propeller operating in oblique inflow, which is useful to the investigation of propeller performance during ship maneuvers.