CFD analysis of the bow shapes of submarines

This paper discusses about an optimum hydrodynamic shape of the bow of submarine in minimum resistance point of view. Submarines have two major categories for hydrodynamic shape: tear drop shape and cylindrical middle body shape. Here, submarines with parallel (cylindrical) middle body are studied because, the most of naval submarines and ROVs have cylindrical middle body shape. Every hull shape, have three parts: bow, cylinder and stern. There is not conning tower (sail) or any other appendages in this analysis. This paper wants to propose an optimum bow shape by CFD method and Flow Vision software. Major parameters in hydrodynamic design of the bow of naval submarines are the noise field (flow noise around the sonar and acoustic sensors) and the resistance. The focus of this paper is on the resistance at fully submerge mode without free surface effects. Firstly, important parameters of arrangement inside the bow of naval submarines, which affect the bow form, are discussed. Secondly, for understanding the concepts of bow design, all available shapes for the bow shapes of submarines are represented in the samples of applications in the really naval or historic submarines. Thirdly, for all shapes, CFD analysis has been done. In all models, these parameters are constant and only the bow shape varies: the velocity, dimensions of domain, dimensions of submarine; diameter, stern shape and the total length (bow, middle and stern length).
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