Numerical study on load and deformation characteristics of vehicle during high-speed water entry

In this study, a numerical model for high-speed water entry of vehicle was established based on the structured arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (S-ALE) method. The model showed good predictive accuracy when compared with experimental results. Using this validated model, numerical simulations were conducted for varying entry velocities (100∼300 m/s) and angles (60° and 90°). Time-domain characteristics including acceleration, pressure, and stress during water entry are systematically obtained, with frequency-domain characteristics further revealed through power spectral analysis. Additionally, the load and deformation characteristics of vehicle's head are thoroughly investigated. Correlation coefficient calculations indicated that the pressure and stress curves exhibited a consistent trend with the deflection curve, revealing a significant coupling relationship between structural deformation and load characteristics during high-speed water entry.