Simulation research on the outlet cavity features in the underwater launching process

Abstract

This paper analyzes the evolution of cavity features and pressure characteristics during the underwater launching process. The improved delayed eddy simulation (IDDES), energy equation, and overlapping grid technique are adopted. In addition, validation of the numerical approach and grid independence is carried out. The evolution of the multiphase flow field and pressure fluctuations near the launcher outlet are studied. Results show that the gas mass escaping from the tube expands and contracts, eventually breaking off with a jet that acts on the tail of the vehicle after the vehicle leaves the tube. Four major pressure fluctuations occurred near the launcher outlet, the first two of which are generated by the alternate expansion and contraction of the high-pressure gas mass, while the subsequent fluctuations mainly originate from the intermittent escape of the remaining gas mass inside the tube, the magnitude of the pressure fluctuations decreases gradually. As the Froude number increases, the scale of the escaping high-pressure gas mass expands significantly, while the dissipation rate of the fused gas mass at the launch tube outlet also increases, the evolution mechanism of multiphase is more complex.