Numerical Simulation of Bottom Slamming of Flatted-bottom Seafloor Mining Tool and Water Entry Process

The hydrodynamic problem of a two-dimensional model of seafloor mining tool entering still water vertically in constant speed is analyzed. Finite element analysis is undertaken using the CFD software Fluent. The governing equations are Reynolds time-averaged equations and the complicated free water surface is tracked by volume of fluid method (VOF). Time histories of pressure and impact force during the water entry of mining tool are presented at various deploying velocity, the two peak pressures and forces of impact process are observed. A specific water entry velocity is employed to show the whole water entry process of seafloor mining tool, and the pressure distribution of four different time points are presented.