Using hydrodynamic modeling to improve power and performance
By Engaged Expert
Wasy AkhtarWasy brings with him over 15 years of industry experience in computational analysis across a range of industries including oil & gas, transportation, heavy machinery and life sciences.
The Challenge
The customer was designing a new underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), which had to be capable of precise movements in cluttered environments with limited visibility and high currents. High power was necessary but the motor size and weight had to be minimized. This meant an accurate understanding of the drag of the ROV and its maneuvering power requirements, in all scenarios, was critically important.
The Solution
Element Digital Engineering proposed and built a hydrodynamic model of the ROV using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This enabled the drag figures in the primary axes at different speeds to be quickly established. Rotational drag in all three axes was a greater challenge. However, once calculated using sliding meshes, the turning drag could also be calculated by generating a six-degree-of-freedom solid model, incorporating the moments of inertia.
The Result
The modeling work provided a comprehensive set of data on powering requirements across the required speed and maneuver range required. It also demonstrated that the design performance could be achieved with the available motors. The ROV is now successfully in service.
To learn more about hydrodynamic modeling, or if you have any questions, contact our team today.
Find related Resources
Related Services
Digital Engineering Case Studies
Read examples of how Element Digital Engineering utilize modeling, simulation, and other digital tools to help our customers innovate and solve complex challenges.
Modeling and Simulation Services
Optimize your project with our modeling and simulation services. Our expertise ensures cost-effective, compliant solutions. Enhance your project today.
Data Science and Machine Learning Services
We combine state-of-the-art data science and machine learning to provide insights that help you improve performance and increase productivity.
Join The Digital Engineering Team
Element Digital Engineering is growing fast. We work at the forefront of Element's digital transition, delivering insight, guidance and answers to complex engineering and technology challenges. Start your Element journey today!