Researches on Detailed Numerical Simulation of Submersible Ballast Tank High-Pressure Air Blowing Based on Adaptive Runge–Kutta Method

Abstract In this study, a detailed numerical simulation of the high-pressure air blowing (HP air blowing system) accurate expected process for submersible ballast tanks was conducted, motivated by the urgent need for accurate numerical simulation models to optimize the performance of this system, which is critical for the safety and maneuverability of the boat. The study involved a series of experiments on a test bench to validate the numerical simulation model. A comprehensive numerical simulation model was developed, incorporating various influencing factors. The model was based on the Laval spray theory, one-dimensional (1D) air flow theory, van der Waals equation, Bernoulli equation, and isothermal compression of the air cushion, with the adaptive Runge–Kutta (RK) computation method proposed for the computations. The results of the study indicated that the relative errors of the main parameters between the simulation and the experimental submersible were below 5%. It was observed that increasing the sea-valve area and reducing the blowing duration could lower the cost of high-pressure air. Conversely, increasing the air pipe length resulted in a prolonged blowing duration and a decreased drainage rate of the ballast tank. The findings of this research suggest that the proposed model is a promising strategy of the accurate expected behavior prediction for the HP air blowing system of submersibles or submarines. Conclusions drawn from the experiments are appropriate for assessments of engineering design, providing valuable technical support for further research and development in this field.