Global Dynamix is currently sponsoring a submarine towing stability study at Stevens Institute of Technology.
During general transiting conditions, emergency conditions, and/or prior to decommissioning, naval submarines will need to be surface towed to and from various locations. However, submarines under surface tow often display undesirable tow characteristics such as yawing or extreme kiting to one side. To circumvent adversity, submarines need to be cautiously and dexterously towed in a stable manner in both open ocean or through narrow water passages.
To investigate how stern surfaces affect towing characteristics of Virginia Class submarines, Global Dynamix has contracted Stevens Institute of Technology to perform specialized tests in the hydrodynamics facility of the Davidson Laboratory. To perform the study, Stevens is utilizing a unique 8 foot long, 1/48 scale, free-flooding fiberglass model of a Virginia Class fast attack submarine with a general hull design and three interchangeable stern configurations. The model was specifically manufactured for this study by FX Models of Terryville, CT. Stevens will use all three stern configurations of the model for examining and understanding how stern surfaces control towing characteristics.
The goals of the study are to help provide Global Dynamix and its clients with an advanced set of trim, tow point, towline angle and tension considerations when towing Virginia Class submarines under various maritime conditions.
