The Effects of the Reynolds Number on the Hydrodynamics Characteristics of an AUV

The hydrodynamic characteristics of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) play a significant role in the design and analysis of their maneuverability. This paper evaluates the effects of the Reynolds (Re) number on the hydrodynamic characteristics of AUV for various angles of attack (AOA). To estimate the hydrodynamic parameters, a numerical modelling based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed. Reynolds numbers between 2106 and 150106 were examined at -10º to 10º AOAs. Experimental tests for the same AUV in Re = 2106 in the water tunnel were carried out for CFD validation. A comparison of the results showed an acceptable agreement between the numerical method and the experimental results. The results show that hydrodynamic parameters can be a function of Re and converge on a constant in a limited value when the Re number increases. Results of independent parameters, can be used for full-scale without the establishment of dynamic similarity.