Effects of cross flow on the launching process of submarine-launched vehicle considering the 6-DOF motion at barrel-exit stage

Submarine-launched vehicle (SLV) is a research hotspot due to its strong strike capability, among which underwater launching technology is a key issue hindering its development. In this paper, a numerical model is proposed to simulate the launching problem of SLV. The high nonlinearity induced by the coupling of multi-degree-of-freedom motions and the interaction between fluid and structure is solved. Specifically, the 6-DOF motion model of structure considering its strong added-mass effect, cavitation model and collision model are adopted. This numerical model is firstly validated by simulating the launching of SLV in still water. And then, the applicability of this model is discussed, as well as the effect of cross flow and initial launching velocity on the launching process. The results indicate that proposed numerical model could be used under both low-speed and high-speed cross flow situations. Cross flow changes the attitude and locomotion state of SLV. When flow velocity exceeds 1.25 m/s, the collision occurs between SLV (with the initial launching velocity of 40 m/s) and its barrel. This obtained locomotion of SLV after leaving its barrel causes the launching failure. Besides, a method of increasing launching velocity is introduced to promote the success rate of launching in high-speed cross flow situation. •A numerical model is proposed for underwater launching problem under high cross flow.•6-DOF motion of SLV during its barrel-exit stage is simulated.•Influences of locomotion of SLV after leaving its barrel on underwater-motion stage are discussed.•Mechanism of increasing launching velocity to improve underwater launching is revealed.