Numerical Analysis for Hull Cleaning ROV Resistance Performance

The flaw around a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) has been numerically investigated to improve resistance performance by modifying the hull form of the ROV. For the base hull form considered in this study, the form drag rather than the friction drag is dominant to the total drag Subsequently, the surfaces on which the local pressure highly acts have been modified to produce the streamlined-shape. Based on the surface modification, seven different hull forms have been chosen as candidates for drag reduction. Among the candidates, the semi-sphericalized housing and the streamlined-bow achieved greatest drag reduction comparing with the others. Consequently, the hull form combined with the semi-sphericalized housing and the streamlined-bow gave approximately 17% drag reduction at the design velocity of 3 knots.