Simulation Study on a New Hybrid Autonomous Underwater Vehicle with Elevators

Abstract

This study aims to design a new hybrid twin autonomous underwater vehicle (HTAUV) consisting of dual cylinder hulls and analyze its pitching motion. The kinematic model for the HTAUV is established, followed by the execution of hydrodynamic simulation CFD of the HTAUV using Ansys Fluent. These simulations are conducted to obtain the hydrodynamic force equation of the HTAUV, which relates to the deflection angle of the elevator. Through the motion simulation of the HTAUV, under the same net buoyancy condition, notable differences emerge when the elevator is deflected. Specifically, parameters such as gliding speed, gliding angle, and pitch angle of the HTAUV are larger when the elevator is deflected, as compared to cases where no deflection is applied.