CFD Modeling of a Submersible in a Realistic Surfaced Sea State Condition for Predictions of Hydrodynamic Wave Impact Loading

Topside features on submersibles are subject to wave impact loading while surfaced. At the surface, operations are typically conducted at low to zero ship speeds so hydrodynamic loading is dominated by wave loading as opposed to bow/wave slamming which is typically evaluated for surface ships. The typical circular or cylindrical hull situated mainly below the water line places topside features right around the mean water line, where the largest wave impact loading is expected. The roll, heave, and pitching motion of such a hull shape and the curvature of the hull at the water surface may result in a different distribution of wave impact loading when compared to the expected loading on typical surface ship hull. Current studies have been conducted using traditional scale-model experiments complimented with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods to improve the predictions and the understanding of the contributing factors to the wave impact loading. The end goal is to try to validate CFD modeling methods for these submersible design cases to support the design process. The end products are design wave impact load requirements and ship operating guidance to help avoid damage due to wave impact load conditions.