Calculation of Hydrodynamics Resistance Coefficient of Diver by CFD Method at Free Surface Condition

The aim of the present study is calculation of the resistance and resistance coefficient of a diver on the water surface and near surface. The results of this article are useful for designing different types of water scooters. This study uses a computational fluid dynamics methodology by considering the effects of free surface. SST K-ω turbulent model is implemented in the Star-CCM+ application and is applied to the flow around a three-dimensional bare hull of an adult human. Three common swimming positions are considered: a ventral position with the arms extended at the front, a ventral position with the arms placed alongside the trunk and a ventral position with one arm extended at the front and another arm placed alongside the trunk. The flow velocities between ۰.۵ and ۲.۲۵m/s with increasing step of ۰.۲۵m/s are considered in the simulations which are typical speed of swimmers. According to the resistance coefficient vs Froude number diagrams, submerged diving with two hands alongside the trunk is produces lower resistance. Also, resistance in near surface swimming is lower than surface swimming in lowest speeds. But in higher speeds, that changes and resistance in surface swimming is lower than the other. The results of this research can be used for designing all types of marine propulsion vehicles, water scooter, and all swimming thrusters.

Keywords:

human body , diver resistance , swimmer resistance , CFD , resistance coefficient , free surface simulation