Overall Layout Optimization of an Unmanned Hovercraft Considering Multiple Aerodynamic Interferences

In order to weaken the adverse aerodynamic interferences between the hull and the aerodynamic devices like the ducted air propeller, lift fan and bow thruster, and get better aerodynamic performance for an unmanned hovercraft, the aerodynamic performance prediction and flow field characteristics analysis of the hovercraft were carried out first in this paper based on the numerical simulation method. Then, the overall layout optimization work of the hovercraft was conducted considering the multiple interferences between the hull and the aerodynamic devices. The results indicate that by optimizing the distance between the hull and the ducted air propeller, the shape of the engine room, the height and horizontal deflection angle of the bow thruster, the adverse aerodynamic interferences can be weakened obviously, and the effective thrust margin of the whole ship is improved.