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A CFD based investigation of the unsteady hydrodynamic coefficients of 3-D fins in viscous flow

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Abstract

The motion of the fins and control surfaces of underwater vehicles in a fluid is an interesting and challenging research subject. Typically the effect of fin oscillations on the fluid flow around such a body is highly unsteady, generating vortices and requiring detailed analysis of fluid-structure interactions. An understanding of the complexities of such flows is of interest to engineers developing vehicles capable of high dynamic performance in their propulsion and maneuvering. In the present study, a CFD based RANS simulation of a 3-D fin body moving in a viscous fluid was developed. It investigated hydrodynamic performance by evaluating the hydrodynamic coefficients (lift, drag and moment) at two different oscillating frequencies. A parametric analysis of the factors that affect the hydrodynamic performance of the fin body was done, along with a comparison of results from experiments. The results of the simulation were found in close agreement with experimental results and this validated the simulation as an effective tool for evaluation of the unsteady hydrodynamic coefficients of 3-D fins. This work can be further be used for analysis of the stability and maneuverability of fin actuated underwater vehicles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China

    Zulfiqar Nazir, Yu-min Su & Zhao-li Wang

  2. PN Dockyard, West Wharf Road, Karachi, 74000, Pakistan

    Zulfiqar Nazir

Authors
  1. Zulfiqar Nazir
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  2. Yu-min Su
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  3. Zhao-li Wang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhao-li Wang.

Additional information

Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 50879014.

Zulfiqar Nazir was born in 1981. He received his master degree in design and construction of naval architecture and ocean structure in 2008. Now he is the deputy manager (Hull & Strcture) of PN Dockyard, West Wharf Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

Yu-min Su was born in 1960. He is a professor in the School of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University. His current research interests include fluid dynamics and marine propeller design, system integration of underwater vehicles.

Zhao-li Wang was born in 1983. He received his master degree in design and construction of naval srchitecture and ocean structure in 2008. Now he works for the PhD degree in Engineering Mechanics at Harbin Engineering University.

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Nazir, Z., Su, Ym. & Wang, Zl. A CFD based investigation of the unsteady hydrodynamic coefficients of 3-D fins in viscous flow. J. Marine. Sci. Appl. 9, 250–255 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-010-1003-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-010-1003-8

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