Experimental investigation of the effect of sail geometry on the flow around the SUBOFF submarine model inspired by the dolphin’s dorsal fin

Abstract

ABSTRACT The geometric shape of the submarine sail has a significant effect on the flow uniformity amount in the submarine impeller plane. In the present study, using a Hotwire and a five-hole probe, the downstream flow field for the three sail in the SUBOFF submarine model was investigated. Two of the sails have the same NACA0018 cross-section and height, one of which has a fillet on the leading-edge. The third sail has the NACA0018 cross-section which is shaped like a dolphin’s dorsal fin. In this study, the rotational field of the vortex downstream of the sail has been studied. The presence of fillets at the leading-edge of the sail significantly reduces the amount and intensity of the vortex. The sail with a dolphin’s dorsal fin geometry also has a significant effect on improving the flow quality. In addition, as the distance from the sail increases downstream, the wake becomes weaker.