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

The research problem that will be addressed in this text is the 2D axis symmetric simulation of turbulent flows. Although turbulent flows are typically three-dimensional, 2D axis symmetric CFD models can provide approximate but useful results for preliminary studies if the flow and body are axis symmetric. For example, a 2D plane can be used to represent the profile of a submarine model, which can be rotated 360 degrees to create a Syr Domain containing the submarine. The RAN model can then be solved on the 2D plane, and the resulting answers can be evaluated to determine their similarity to 3D research.

The research question that must be answered is whether these 2D axis symmetric methods are reliable and accurate compared to 3D simulation. If they are not, they cannot be used. Additionally, it is important to determine the savings in computation time and memory resources that can be achieved by using 2D axis symmetric simulation. Can it be run on ordinary computers, or does it require a larger computational facility with more cores and ram facilities?

Answering these questions will determine whether 2D axis symmetric simulation is a viable alternative to 3D zero PS simulation for axial flow cases and problems where the body is axis symmetric.