CFD modelling and validation of an AUV undergoing variable accelerations

This paper presents an investigation into the capability of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a tool to predict the forces and moments acting on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) under prescribed lateral and angular acceleration manoeuvres (i.e. pure sway and pure yaw). The obtained CFD predictions were validated through Experimental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) utilising a captive model fitted to a Horizontal Planar Motion Mechanism (HPMM). The present investigation will contribute to the prediction of linear force and moment coefficients for the development of control system algorithms for underwater vehicles.