Numerical investigations on hydrodynamic characteristics of wave-induced flow past a submerged obstacle and remotely operated vehicle

Abstract

Exploration of underwater resources has always been fascinating with the help of remotely operated vehicles. The shadowing effect of obstacles on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the nearby vicinity poses a challenge in the working environment. The interaction between ROVs with the presence and absence of an upfront placed obstacle under the surface waves is the highlight of the present study. The performance of the ROV is observed from its hydro-dynamical characteristics involving a flow field and periodic wave action. In a numerical investigation after validation and verification, two cases are examined, i.e. (1) when the ROV is alone under the wave and (2) the ROV is behind an obstacle under a wave. Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures such as vorticity, lift, drag and moments are monitored around the ROV. The results show an increase of 79% and 39% in the lift and drag in case 1, as compared to case 2.

KEYWORDS:

• Remote operated vehicle
• horizontal body
• vertical obstacle
• periodic surface wave
• Fourier analysis
• hydrodynamics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All the data in this study are obtained using OpenFOAM software. However, the data will be made available via correspondence.