Optimization of a Diver Propulsion Vehicle Hydrodynamics Parameter and its’ Shape Improvement by CFD Method for Improving Underwater Speed Record

Abstract

The hydrodynamic shape of high speed diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) is very important to its performance. One of the basic optimization steps is minimizing DPV drag force to reduce power required. In the present paper, the research has been started by optimization process with a basic design and it would be gradually improved to achieve favorable hydrodynamic characteristics according to diver size and his required volume. The main target is minimizing lift and drag force as objective function. Moreover, this optimization scenario is applicable and it has been followed on the real DPV prototype. The prototype has been constructed and tested in towing tank for results validation. The 3D geometry of a real diver has been created by image processing and software modeling. According to this model the first basic geometry had been designed and then it has been exported to CFD code for steady-state computational analysis. The SST-Kω turbulence model has been selected in the solution to compute hydrodynamic forces. So the position of propulsion system and the shape of vehicle have been improved by repetition process. Output results show that the drag values will be significantly reduced with shape improvement about 51 percent in design speed.