Work

Numerical Investigation of Hydrodynamic Coefficients and Wake Characteristics of a Deep-Sea Mining Vehicle

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The hydrodynamic resistance experienced by deep-sea mining vehicles (DSMV) during underwater operations and deployment/retrieval processes has a significant impact on maneuverability and operational safety. Therefore, accurate determination of the vehicle’s hydrodynamic coefficients is essential for motion control and system design. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods are utilized to calculate the transverse and vertical drag forces acting on the DSMV, as well as the corresponding added mass in both directions. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were employed to analyze the vehicle’s dynamic behavior and the development of its wake flow structures. under uniform and accelerated motion conditions is analyzed. The time-averaging technique is applied to extract steady-state drag forces and drag coefficients, while the added mass and added mass coefficients are estimated by isolating viscous and inertial forces during acceleration. To verify the accuracy of the CFD methodology, simulations of regularly shaped bodies are performed, and the results are compared with theoretical solutions. The results show a high degree of agreement, confirming the reliability of the numerical approach used in this study.

Source: Machines

DOI: 10.3390/machines13080699

Authors: Xin Huang, Chenglong Liu, Xiang Zhu, Gang Wang, Yu Dai

Institution: Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Ship Hydrodynamics and Maneuverability

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China