Performance analysis of towed wave glider and dynamic stability study of towed body

Abstract

This study integrates a wave glider with an underwater towed system, forming a towed wave glider configuration. The complete system was modeled in OrcaFlex to evaluate how the underwater towed system affects the wave glider's performance. To address stability challenges in underwater towed systems, an innovative S-shaped towing cable configuration was introduced. The effects of three key parameters - the force coefficient $K_F$, spacing coefficient $K_L$, and number of wave segments $N$ on towed body stability were systematically examined. The results demonstrate that the S-shaped towing cable provides excellent vibration damping and disturbance reduction. Optimal towed body stability is achieved when $K_F=5$ and $K_L=2\sim 3.5$. However, appropriate adjustment of wave segment number $N$ is required when sea states change. Both tank tests and sea trials have confirmed the vibration-damping effectiveness of the S-shaped towing cable. The integration of wave gliders with underwater towed systems exhibits substantial potential to significantly broaden the application scope of these platforms in future ocean observation campaigns.