Comparison of modelling techniques to predict the structural responses of a submerged hull

A submerged hull is modelled as a fluid-loaded ring-stiffened cylindrical shell separated into compartments by bulkheads and closed at each end by circular plates. The hull is excited at one end. The external pressure acting on the hull due to the fluid loading is analytically calculated using an infinite model. Results from the analytical models are compared to computational results obtained from a fully coupled finite element/boundary element model. The elastic structure is modelled using quadratic finite shell elements while the model for the infinitely extended fluid domain is represented by linear boundary elements. The two-way fluid structure interaction between the structure and fluid is taken into account by a Mortar coupling scheme. The effects of fluid loading, excitation location, stiffeners and bulkheads on the hull axial and radial responses are studied.