Performance analysis of towed wave glider and dynamic stability study of towed body

• This study integrates a wave glider with an underwater towed system and introduces an S-shaped towing cable to reduce platform-induced disturbances and ensure the dynamic stability of the system. The impact of towed body stability on hydrodynamic resistance is evaluated, and a stability assessment criterion is established. • The study analyzes three key structural parameters of the S-shaped towing cable—force coefficient K F , spacing coefficient K L , and number of wave segments N . Results show that the S-shaped towing cable effectively reduces platform-induced motion disturbances on the towed body, with the optimal performance observed when K F = 5 and K L = 2 ∼ 3.5 . By varying the number of wave segments, sea state adaptability is achieved, and appropriate segment configurations for different sea conditions are identified. • To validate the accuracy of the simulation model, a tank experiment was conducted for the S-shaped towing cable. The results show good agreement between the simulation and experimental data, confirming the reliability of the simulation results. By comparing the velocities of the surface float and the towed body, the vibration-damping and disturbance-reduction capability of the S-shaped towing cable is effectively demonstrated. Sea trial results further indicate that under both types of motion input, the pitch angle of the towed body satisfies the stability criteria. This study integrates a wave glider with an underwater towed system, forming a towed wave glider configuration. The complete system was modeled in OrcaFlex to evaluate how the underwater towed system affects the wave glider's performance. To address stability challenges in underwater towed systems, an innovative S-shaped towing cable configuration was introduced. The effects of three key parameters - the force coefficient K F , spacing coefficient K L , and number of wave segments N on towed body stability were systematically examined. The results demonstrate that the S-shaped towing cable provides excellent vibration damping and disturbance reduction. Optimal towed body stability is achieved when K F = 5 and K L = 2 ∼ 3.5 . However, appropriate adjustment of wave segment number N is required when sea states change. Both tank tests and sea trials have confirmed the vibration-damping effectiveness of the S-shaped towing cable. The integration of wave gliders with underwater towed systems exhibits substantial potential to significantly broaden the application scope of these platforms in future ocean observation campaigns.