2D axisymmetric and 3D CFD simulations of flow over the benchmark DARPA SUBOFF submarine model

One of the drawbacks of using 3D simulations for designing hull forms is that it is a time-consuming process that requires expensive computational facilities. Handling hundreds of designs in a lab or controlling the design of an optimum hull form out of 100 models requires a high-end computational facility that can accommodate all 3D models. Additionally, the time associated with each simulation station is also high, with 3D safety simulations taking from two days to get converged. Testing hundreds of such models can take a long time, and the job may not be completed within a short span of time.

To address this issue, the CFT community is searching for methods to reduce overall computation time from days to hours. They are looking for ways to reduce simulation time and find alternatives to 3D simulations. One such alternative is the 2D axis symmetric simulation, which is used when the body is axis symmetric and the flow is also axis symmetric.