LAUSR

In this paper, transient multiphase flow computational fluid dynamics simulations based on volume of fluid model are conducted for a sea-unmanned aerial vehicle. The approximate equilibrium hypothesis is implemented after estimating the acceleration in the vertical direction. The complete configuration model and hull model are employed in simulation to predict the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces separately for different demands of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic computational fluid dynamics predictions and computing efficiency. In takeoff characteristics analysis, the computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted as inputs for piecewise interpolation method. The calculated results show that the sea-unmanned aerial vehicle takeoff characteristics are totally different from a conventional aircraft. The drag-peak at hump speed is the obvious feature of the sea-unmanned aerial vehicle/seaplane. In most cases, if a sea-unmanned aerial vehicle will takeoff successfully as long as it can pass the drag peak. The takeoff distance and time calculated by piecewise interpolation method match the experimental data within 7% deviation. The accuracy is acceptable for conceptual design stage of a sea-unmanned aerial vehicle/seaplane. The results are applicable to consultation in choosing takeoff field or choosing powerplant.