Numerical investigation of hydroelastic water-entry impact dynamics of AUVs

In contrast to rigid body autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) models, elastic AUV models will exhibit hydrodynamic effects due to elastic deformation of the shell during water entry, influencing their load-response characteristics. In this paper, the predictive capability of the selected simulation method is first verified by comparing the simulation results with test data acquired from experiments conducted in a drop-test tank. Then, the effects of the head shape parameters, shell thickness and water-entry state, such as the water-entry velocity and angle, on the acceleration, pressure, stress and structural deformation of an elastic AUV during water-entry impact are investigated. By comparing the characteristics of rigid and elastic bodies, the influence of the hydroelastic effect is revealed. The research results can provide guidance on the design of airborne vehicles and transmedia vehicles.