General information

SubmarineFlow is an inviscid panel method code that calculates the flow of water around streamlined underwater objects, such as submarines. It is developed by Dr Tim Gourlay at Perth Hydro and used for our ship hydrodynamics consulting.

For submarines in unbounded water

In "unbounded" (open-water) mode, SubmarineFlow uses the Hess & Smith (1964) panel method to calculate flow speeds and hydrodynamic pressure, around and on the submarine hull.

For near-surface submarines

In "near-surface" mode, SubmarineFlow uses the Havelock-source panel method to calculate flow speeds, hydrodynamic pressures, lift force, trim moment, wave resistance and wake pattern.

For near-seabed submarines

In "near-seabed" mode, SubmarineFlow uses the method of images to calculate flow speeds, hydrodynamic pressures, seabed attraction force, and trim moment on the submarine.

Other applications

SubmarineFlow can also be used to model double-body flow around ships in deep water, shallow water and shallow channels.

Published validation articles

A Havelock-source panel method for near-surface submarines

Application of potential flow methods to ship squat in different canal widths