Abstract:

We constructed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for an expendable bathythermograph (XBT) probe based on its structure and and the software of FLUENT and performed grid division and boundary conditions determination. We also analyzed the velocity field profile outside of a XBT, especially that near its head and tail. Results show that the designed probe structure is reasonable and favorable for the stability of a XBT under seawater. This paper can provide reference for the further optimization of the probe structure of a XBT.

Key words: computational fluid dynamics (CFD）, expendable bathythermographs (XBT）, numerical simulation, flowfield analysis