Critical Parameter Analysis for Optimized Gliding Performance of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Underwater gliders have become a focal point in marine research due to advancements in maritime technologies and the increasing demand for versatile autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in applications such as oceanography, environmental monitoring, and marine surveillance.This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical parameters influencing the gliding behavior of a newly designed AUV model, simulated using ANSYS Fluent.In this study, two essential gliding parameters were investigated: the critical angle of attack and the optimum wingspan.The model was fully submerged, and a three-dimensional representation of the AUV was employed to replicate realistic underwater dynamics.Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with continuity equations, were numerically solved to ensure mass and momentum conservation across the simulated environment.The model was rigorously validated against published experimental data, thereby establishing reliability in the simulated outcomes.The results reveal an optimum angle of attack that significantly enhances the glider's maneuverability, facilitating efficient ascent and descent adjustments by the automated control system to navigate precise underwater positions.These findings contribute valuable insights for designing AUVs with enhanced autonomous control and efficient gliding capabilities, aiding in the effective application of AUVs across a range of marine environments.