Assessment of underwater glider performance through viscous computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

The process of designing an apt hydrodynamic shape for a new underwater glider is discussed. Intermediate stages include selecting a suitable axi-symmetric hull shape, adding hydrofoils and appendages, and evaluating the performance of the final design. All of the hydrodynamic characteristics are obtained using computational fluid dynamics using the kT - kL - ω transition model. It is shown that drag reduction of the main glider hull is of crucial importance to the ultimate performance. Suggested steps for achieving this are the encouragement of natural laminar flow, integration of sensors into the streamlined hull shape, and sound operational practice.