The Hydrodynamic Noise Suppression of a Scaled Submarine Model by Leading-Edge Serrations

Review of Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis in Biomimetic Applications for Underwater Vehicles

Biomimetics, which draws inspiration from nature, has emerged as a key approach in the development of underwater vehicles. The integration of this approach with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has further propelled research in this field. CFD, as an effective tool for dynamic analysis, contributes significantly to understanding and resolving complex fluid dynamic problems in underwater vehicles. Biomimetics seeks to harness innovative inspiration from the biological world. Through the imitation of the structure, behavior, and functions of organisms, biomimetics enables the creation of efficient and unique designs. These designs are aimed at enhancing the speed, reliability, and maneuverability of underwater vehicles, as well as reducing drag and noise. CFD technology, which is capable of precisely predicting and simulating fluid flow behaviors, plays a crucial role in optimizing the structural design of underwater vehicles, thereby significantly enhancing their hydrodynamic and kinematic performances. Combining biomimetics and CFD technology introduces a novel approach to underwater vehicle design and unveils broad prospects for research in natural science and engineering applications. Consequently, this paper aims to review the application of CFD technology in the biomimicry of underwater vehicles, with a primary focus on biomimetic propulsion, biomimetic drag reduction, and biomimetic noise reduction. Additionally, it explores the challenges faced in this field and anticipates future advancements.

Noise Reduction Effect of Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Streamwise Strip of Channel Flow

Superhydrophobic surface is a promising technology, but the effect of superhydrophobic surface on flow noise is still unclear. Therefore, we used alternating free-slip and no-slip boundary conditions to study the flow noise of superhydrophobic channel flows with streamwise strips. The numerical calculations of the flow and the sound field have been carried out by the methods of large eddy simulation (LES) and Lighthill analogy, respectively. Under a constant pressure gradient (CPG) condition, the average Reynolds number and the friction Reynolds number are approximately set to 4200 and 180, respectively. The influence on noise of different gas fractions (GF) and strip number in a spanwise period on channel flow have been studied. Our results show that the superhydrophobic surface has noise reduction effect in some cases. Under CPG conditions, the increase in GF increases the bulk velocity and weakens the noise reduction effect. Otherwise, the increase in strip number enhances the lateral energy exchange of the superhydrophobic surface, and results in more transverse vortices and attenuates the noise reduction effect. In our results, the best noise reduction effect is obtained as 10.7 dB under the scenario of the strip number is 4 and GF is 0.5. The best drag reduction effect is 32%, and the result is obtained under the scenario of GF is 0.8 and strip number is 1. In summary, the choice of GF and the number of strips is comprehensively considered to guarantee the performance of drag reduction and noise reduction in this work.

Reduction of Hydrodynamic Noise of 3D Hydrofoil with Spanwise Microgrooved Surfaces Inspired by Sharkskin

Loud hydrodynamic noise is not only potentially harmful to the health of organisms in the ocean, but it is also a threat to the survival of underwater vehicles. Different from the general noise reduction technologies at present, a new idea for a flow-induced noise reduction design with spanwise microgrooved surfaces inspired by sharkskin is introduced in this paper. Large eddy simulations (LES) combined with the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) equation are adopted to simulate the hydrodynamic noise of the three-dimensional (3D) hydrofoil. The accuracy of the numerical predictions is checked against existing experimental data, achieving good agreement. With the increase of observing distance, the noise reduction effect at the trailing edge direction is gradually apparent, and a maximum noise reduction of up to 7.28 dB can be observed. It is seen from the noise spectra of the biomimetic hydrofoil that the main peaks are eliminated, and the noise level at high frequency is also decreased. The cause of noise reduction lies in the secondary vortex generated in the microgrooves, which hinder the process of turbulence, consume the energy of the flow, and weaken the intensity of turbulent burst. The results of this study provide a new way to design low-noise underwater structures with hydrofoils.