Hydrodynamic analysis of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Observation Class using CFD

Abstract

Abstract Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is a small marine craft used for underwater observation. Hence, the analysis of hydrodynamic characteristics is important. Hydrodynamic characteristics can be obtained by fluid dynamic visualization and simulation of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). In this paper, ROV Hydrodynamic characteristics begin by forming a three-dimensional (3D) ROV model, forming link elements (mesh) from the 3D ROV model, and forming the computational domain used for CFD simulations. CFD simulations were conducted by analyzing the fluid flow angle variations that represent motion of the ROV, namely translational motion and rotational motion towards the vertical axis (yaw). The simulation results obtained were compared with the previous ROV design that had been developed, so as to obtain an evaluation of the results of the design optimization. The results showed an increase in the hydrodynamic characteristics of the optimal ROV design indicated by the value of drag, pressure distribution, and fluid flow contour.