CFD approach to steady state analysis of an underwater glider

Abstract

Underwater glider moves vertically by change in buoyancy and moves horizontally due to wings. In this paper, we validate the experimental lift and drag characteristics of a glider from the literature using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach. This approach is then used for the assessment of the steady state characteristics of a glider under development. Flow behavior and lift and drag force distribution at different angles of attack are studied for Reynolds numbers varying from 105 to 106. The state variables of the glider are the velocity, gliding angle and angle of attack which are simulated by making use of the hydrodynamic drag and lift coefficients obtained from CFD. The effect of net change in buoyancy is examined in terms of the gliding angle, glider velocity, angle of attack and glider saw-tooth trajectory.