Hydrodynamic Analysis of Symmetrical Naca Airfoils: A CFD Simulation Approach

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of selected NACA airfoil profiles using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations performed in ANSYS Fluent. The primary objective is to evaluate the fluid–structure interaction behavior of these airfoils when subjected to marine flow conditions relevant to offshore and submerged engineering applications. By modeling the interaction between incompressible fluid flow and various NACA geometries, the study systematically analyzes key hydrodynamic parameters, including pressure distribution, velocity fields, drag forces, and corresponding drag coefficients, which are critical for assessing the operational stability and performance of offshore structures.The numerical methodology employs a pressure-based solver with appropriate turbulence modeling to accurately capture flow separation and wake development around the airfoil surfaces. A detailed mesh sensitivity analysis is conducted to ensure grid independence and numerical stability, enabling precise prediction of drag forces and hydrodynamic coefficients. The influence of geometric parameters, such as airfoil thickness and camber, on hydrodynamic performance is examined through comparative graphical and tabular analyses. These analyses provide insights into the interdependencies between airfoil geometry and flow behavior under varying flow conditions.To validate the reliability of the numerical results, a rigorous error analysis is performed by comparing simulated outcomes across multiple mesh configurations, with all deviations maintained within a 5% margin of error. The findings of this study contribute to the optimization of submerged energy platforms, offshore structural components, and deep-sea exploration vessels by supporting informed design decisions aimed at minimizing hydrodynamic resistance and enhancing structural stability in marine environments.