CFD Modeling for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

A brief look at CFD Modeling for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle A short video featuring Dr. Kevin Linfield.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute utilizes autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to support its research programs. On-board computer controls allow vehicles to navigate the ocean for long periods of time, periodically surfacing to transmit acquired data via wireless telemetry. The AUVs provide MBARI with an efficient and cost-effective alternative for performing deep water research. However, because these vehicles carry their own on-board power sources such as batteries and fuel cells, their travel range is limited. Previously, they could not perform long-duration missions, such as wide ocean surveys or under-ice polar explorations. About 15 years ago, the MBARI development team began research into a long-range AUV. The goal was to minimize hydrodynamic drag - allowing the vehicle to use the energy saved to travel further.

Initially, the project focused on the use of modeling and simulation tools to determine whether a long-range, high speed vehicle was feasible based on current energy storage technology. They requested Airflow Sciences perform CFD simulations to define body shapes exhibiting minimum drag over the range of expected vehicle speeds. This included an analysis of the boundary layer behavior along the length of the vehicle as well as the interaction of the flow with the aft-mounted propeller. By modifying the shape of the vehicle’s nose and after-body regions, uniform flow conditions were achieved that minimized skin friction and form drag, and presented the propeller with inlet conditions that improved its efficiency.

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Copyright Airflow Sciences Corporation. With contributions by Andrew Banka, P.E. and Dr. Kevin Linfield, P.Eng., P.E.