Numerical study on the hydrodynamic performance of a high-speed taxiing fuselage: Investigation on the affecting factors in the numerical simulation

Abstract

A seaplane, distinctively designed for water takeoffs and landings, differs significantly from conventional ships and airplanes in terms of hydrodynamic performance. Accurately assessing the hydrodynamic characteristics of a taxiing fuselage using traditional ship methods, particularly at high speeds, presents considerable challenges. Consequently, this study delves into an extensive investigation to explore the variables influencing numerical simulations, aiming for a comprehensive comprehension of the fuselage's hydrodynamic behavior during taxiing. The research begins by conducting numerical computations to analyze the fuselage's taxiing state across varying speed coefficients, comparing these against experimental data. Results indicate a critical threshold within a speed coefficient range of 3.5–4.5. Numerical outputs closely align with experimental observations below this range, while a noticeable deviation occurs beyond it. Concurrently, with increased speed, the fuselage wake elongates longitudinally and contracts laterally. A subsequent detailed investigation focuses on the condition where the speed coefficient equals 4, examining diverse numerical parameters. The findings emphasize the efficacy of the Realizable k−ε turbulence model during the high-speed taxiing phase of seaplanes. Additionally, it is evident that the scale of the surface mesh directly influences the computed surface liquid phase volume fractions upon model stabilization, subsequently impacting the model's orientation. Larger surface meshes can lead to significant numerical discrepancies.