Submarine rudder stern-plane configuration for optimum manoeuvring

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to investigate submarine rudder stern-plane configuration to obtain optimum manoeuvring characteristics. Three configurations are investigated: +, x and y configuration. The equations of motions were derived with the external forces and moments consist of contributions due to the hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and propeller thrust. To obtain the hydrodynamic coefficients and the hydrodynamic derivatives, the lift and drag were calculated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The equations of motions were numerically integrated using Eulerian method to obtain the turning circle. Results of the calculations show that the x-configuration gives the smallest tactical diameter, transfer and advance, which is considered as the most optimum rudder stern-plane configuration.