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Kalyan Das,
Sahul Muhique,
Kalyan Kalita,
- Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Jalukbari, Kamrup Metro,, Assam, India
- Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Jalukbari, Kamrup Metro, Assam, India
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.
Keywords: ANSYS fluent, NACA airfoils, hydrodynamic analysis, drag coefficient, offshore structures
Kalyan Das, Sahul Muhique, Kalyan Kalita. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Symmetrical Naca Airfoils: A CFD Simulation Approach. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):-.
Kalyan Das, Sahul Muhique, Kalyan Kalita. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Symmetrical Naca Airfoils: A CFD Simulation Approach. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joost/article=2026/view=239099
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Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology
| Volume | 13 |
| 01 | |
| Received | 15/01/2026 |
| Accepted | 09/02/2026 |
| Published | 14/02/2026 |
| Publication Time | 30 Days |
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