Computational analysis and prediction of wave forces on portable underwater vehicle

The wave forces on portable underwater vehicle during sailing close to water surface are calculated based on panel method. Hydrodynamic forces acting on the underwater vehicle under the desired sea wave condition is calculated when it floats and submerges as well as operates at a constant velocity in a constant depth beneath the free surface waves. The effects of various factors, such as wave frequency, vehicle depth, direction, etc., on surge, heave and pitch are analyzed. A real time longitudinal position is used instead of encounter frequency. The results are then used to derive the analytical formulae for wave forces and moment by curve fitting approach. The results are satisfactory by comparing the prediction and the real-time simulation. The proposed method can be used to assess the maneuverability of underwater vehicle when it operates in the ocean wave environment. The accuracy of the numerical simulation is ensured by verifying the difference between numerical simulation and experimental results.