Numerical Study on the Hydrodynamic Coefficients and Flow Field Characteristics of Underwater Manipulator

Abstract

The hydrodynamic coefficient of an underwater manipulator varies with changes in posture and flow field, presenting significant challenges for precise control and localization. This study, conducted numerical simulations to investigate the patterns of variation in flow field and hydrodynamic coefficients. Results showed that hydrodynamic performance remained consistent when the posture of the manipulator was either axisymmetric or origin-symmetric. Upon rotation, axial flow extended across the entire downstream surface, and the Karman vortex street entirely eliminated. Pressure coefficients on the back pressure surface of the manipulator increased with the Reynolds number within the range of 6×103 ≤ Re ≤ 3×104, while the pressure coefficient on the upstream surface remained unchanged. Within this range, drag coefficients for the upper and lower arms decreased by 27.4% and 23.9%, respectively. The hydrodynamic performance of the lower arm was independent of the upper arm's posture, with a maximum drag coefficient of 1.48 achieved at α = −90°. As the posture angle of the manipulator varied from 30° to 60°, the pressure coefficient on the upstream surface decreased from 0.75 to 0.25.