Shape optimization of underwater glider based on approximate model technology

Abstract

Hydrodynamic shape is an important factor of underwater glider (UG), which influences its gliding efficiency and energy consumption. This paper proposes a shape optimization method of Petrel-L based on the approximate model technology, the establishment of which is introduced in detail. The approximate models used in the hull generatrix optimization and the wing dimension optimization take the complex coupling relationship among the shape dimensions into account. Based on the established models, the sensitivity analysis is carried out to analyze the effect of the shape dimensions on the hydrodynamic performance. The hull generatrix optimization and the wing dimension optimization are executed to minimize the drag coefficient and maximize the gliding range per energy consumption respectively. In consideration of the different sensors carried by UGs and the specific pitching angle requirement in the observation missions, the optimal wing dimensions are obtained under different hotel loads and pitching angles. The optimization results indicate that the increase rate of gliding range can reach 7.64% when the hotel load is 0.5 W and the pitching angle is ±12°. The shape optimization method in this paper is appropriate for other UGs.