Hydrodynamic Analysis of Self-Propulsion Performance of Wave-Driven Catamaran

Abstract

The wave-driven catamaran is a small surface vehicle driven by ocean waves. It consists of a hull and hydrofoils, and has a multi-body dynamic structure. The process of moving from static state to autonomous navigation driven by ocean waves is called “self-propulsion”, and reflects the ability of the wave-driven catamaran to absorb oceanic wave energy. Considering the importance of the design of the wave-driven catamaran, its self-propulsion performance should be comprehensively analysed. However, the wave-driven catamaran’s multi-body dynamic structure, unpredictable dynamic and kinematic responses driven by waves make it difficult to analyse its self-propulsion performance. In this paper, firstly, a multi-body dynamic model is established for wave-driven catamaran. Secondly, a two-phase numerical flow field containing water and air is established. Thirdly, a numerical simulation method for the self-propulsion process of the wave-driven catamaran is proposed by combining the multi-body dynamic model with a numerical flow field. Through numerical simulation, the hydrodynamic response, including the thrust of the hydrofoils, the resistance of the hull and the sailing velocity of the wave-driven catamaran are identified and comprehensively analysed. Lastly, the accuracy of the numerical simulation results is verified through a self-propulsion test in a towing tank. In contrast with previous research, this method combines multi-body dynamics with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to avoid errors caused by artificially setting the motion mode of the catamaran, and calculates the real velocity of the catamaran.

Development of a Deformable Water-Mobile Robot

“…The robot needs to become U-shaped when it reaches the target location, and this form structure is less prone to tipping and has a larger lateral moment of inertia [25]. The U-shaped body size has a great effect on its smoothness.…”

Study on dynamic performance of wave-powered boat under the action of ocean current

“…Belibassakis et al 23 studied a device that can directly use the wave energy to push the ship forward by installing hydrofoils on the ship, and the results show that the device has good performance. Zhang et al 24 established a multi-body dynamic model for wave-driven catamaran, through numerical simulation, the hydrodynamic response is identified and comprehensively analyzed. In contrast with previous research, their method combines multi body dynamics with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to avoid errors caused by artificially setting the motion mode of the catamaran, and calculates the real velocity of the catamaran.…”

“…Li et al 15 and Li 16 conducted self-propulsion tests under different wave conditions and numerically simulated the ship motion according to the experimental data. Zheng 17 designed an unmanned boat system propelled by waves, simulated the motion response of the boat in waves and the motion of hydrofoil in different wave periods to obtain its propulsion performance. Tian and Linglong 18 introduced a device with flexible webbed wings.…”