Geometric and non-geometric impact on Coanda effect propulsion device for UUV application

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of geometrical and non-geometrical parameters on the thrust performance of a pump-valve propulsion device consisting of a Coanda effect valve (CEV) and a pump. A more accurate theoretical model was also developed to predict the thrust of the pump-valve device. Firstly, a rough thrust model was developed based on existing theory to predict the thrust and energy loss generated by the pump-valve device under different exit and nozzle areas. Considering the limitations of the theoretical analysis, numerical simulations were carried out to evaluate the effect of various geometrical and non-geometrical parameters, including nozzle shape, nozzle area, control port width, exit area, inlet flow rate, etc., on the thrust performance of the CEV and the pump-valve device. Due to the margin between simulation thrusts and theoretical thrusts, we built an experimental platform and carried out relevant experiments. The experimental data verified the simulation results, and on this basis, the original thrust prediction model was corrected.