Research on the hydrodynamic characteristics of pumpjet vector propulsor submersible yaw motion

Abstract The potential value of the new type of vector propulsor in submarine movement has been confirmed. However, some key mechanical issues are not fully understood, especially the hydrodynamic characteristics during oblique motion. By using dynamic mesh simulation methods, a systematic study was conducted on the fluid dynamics behavior of pump jet vector propulsor submarines during oblique and yawing processes, supplemented by the scientific validity of related experimental verification results. The research indicates that oblique movement causes a local stagnation positive pressure zone to form at the bow of the hull and a relative back pressure zone in the middle of the pump shell. As the angle of drift during oblique movement increases, significant improvements are observed in the lateral force, lateral velocity, and lateral moment of the submarine. During yawing motion, a negative pressure zone appears on the right side of the bow, with a local positive pressure zone appearing on the left side. In both oblique and yawing movements, the rotational speed has an amplifying effect on the appearance of the jet wake phenomenon for the submarine. Based on numerical results, a polynomial fitting method is used to establish a mathematical model for the variation of the speed coefficient and angular velocity system of the pump jet vector propulsor submarine with the spiral mixed-flow pump speed. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application and optimization of pump jet vector propulsors.