Simulation-Based Determination of Hydrodynamic Derivatives and 6DOF Motion Analysis for Underwater Vehicle

Abstract

This paper introduces a simulation-based determination method for hydrodynamic derivatives and 6DOF (degrees-of-freedom) motion analysis for an underwater vehicle. Hydrodynamic derivatives were derived from second-order modulus expansion and composed of the added mass, and linear and nonlinear damping coefficients. The added mass coefficients were analytically obtained using the potential theory. All of the linear and nonlinear damping coefficients were determined using CFD simulation, which were performed for various cases based on the actual operating condition. Then, the linear and nonlinear damping coefficients were determined by fitting the CFD results, which referred to 6DOF forces and moments acting on an underwater vehicle, with the least square method. To demonstrate the applicability of the current study, 6DOF simulations for three different scenarios (L-, U-, and S-turn) were carried out, and the results were validated on the basis of physical plausibility.