A Numerical Study on Rudder Optimization forImproved Unmanned Surface Vehicle ManeuveringPerformance

Introduction: By using the latest patents and technology progress in maritime hydrodynamics, this research aims to improve the maneuvering ability of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) through the method of carrying out systematic optimization on rudder configuration parameters. Methods: Numerical simulation works were carried out via Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier– Stokes (URANS) equations coupled with shear transport k-ω turbulence model, which was implemented through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software STAR-CCM+ 2310. Results: The main parameters: horizontal position, vertical position, aspect ratio, and area were optimized, which led to a decrease in the turning radius by 21.2% with an insignificant effect on propulsive performance. Discussion: Such results prove that the specified parameter optimization of the rudders may enhance the level of steering greatly without resorting to deteriorating propulsion efficiency. Conclusion: The rudder design optimization proposed methodology is a transferable and robust proposal applicable to the USV and could be extrapolated and applied to other marine systems.