Analysis of hydrodynamic interaction impacts on a two-AUV system

In a two-autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) system, the hydrodynamic interaction between the two vehicles can have both beneficial and harmful impact on the system. In an aim to investigate the factors that have impact on the hydrodynamic interaction, spacing, appendages effect, drift angle of the smaller vehicle and depth from the water surface were chosen as the simulation variables. Results showed that the tandem configuration in which the larger vehicle led the system can have a combined drag reduction. The appendages can have a favourable effect on the follower and the whole system. The positions where the hydrodynamic interaction had largest and least impact on the system were also discussed. When the system sailed near the water surface, the hydrodynamic interaction was aggravated owing to the water surface impact. This paper can provide a guidance for the design of AUV configuration and manoeuvring strategy of a two-AUV system.