Help needed Torpedo Design

[QuarterMaster]

Anyone out here have access to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software?

Have Fusion 360 model.

CP, resistance through water (fresh ~21 deg c), Gas expansion, flow rates....etc needed.


Asking for a friend.

[Albacore 569]

You shouldn't have to re-invent the wheel here. Dave Merriman here has done extensive work and manufactured many torpedoes. suggest Consult him. He is our Bureau of Ordinance on RC sub torpedoes. There are many others here too with ingenious designs for what it's worth.

Of course, if you have a better idea, go for it.

Here is drawing for the krappy American Mk 13 torpedo used on torpedo bombers and PT boats. Whole US Navy torpedo bomber squadrons early in the pacific war threw their lives away trying to sink something and failing using it. At Midway the bombs worked at least.

It's not what you are asking for but throwing it out there for our files.


Eventually by 1943 Bu of ord. got their act together and it became an effective weapon. It needed a wood ring on the front to slow the weapon down when dropping into the water. It could also be dropped from considerable heights as well. The Mk 14 is the other scandal. but nuff said.

Eventually by the last year of the war, they even had effective homing torpedoes. They were designated 'Fidos' and for secrecy referred to as 'mines'. They sank a few U boats and a Japanese submarine in the Bay id Biscay. A TBF Avenger would drop sonobuoys, after the sub crashed dived, thinking they were safe. Then they drop the Fido in proximity and listen on the sonobouys. The axis crews never knew what hit them or did but didn't live to report back to their bosses.

[QuarterMaster]

You shouldn't have to re-invent the wheel here. Dave Merriman here has done extensive work and manufactured many torpedoes. suggest Consult him. He is our Bureau of Ordinance on RC sub torpedoes. There are many others here too with ingenious designs for what it's worth.

Of course, if you have a better idea, go for it.

Thanks for your response.

I've known David since I met him in '92, I am well aware of his work and others before him like Mike Dory and Wilhelm Huxhold.

Perhaps you didn't understand the question.

I am not looking for Weapon data or or Launch techniques. techniques. Been there, done that as evidenced the ones Bob sells are based on my work. I am currently working on a much easier system to be more reliable and easier to manufacture than any previous system to date, should it work out. Good for the user, good for the Manufacturer.

These MK48 "look-a-likes" are currently on my resin printer and I just wished to see if anyone out here wanted to play with some modeling and simulation of the as built prototypes. BTW, I'm not really a fan of Pre MK48 Mod 4 weapons.

Not having yet been built much less hit the water, I at least know they will float..... (Courtesy AI "Gemini" and placed here for an example of AI aiding us). Why I picked the warm 30∘C? That's ~ the high temp in my pool and would be a worse case density scenario.

I have a volume of 12296.718 mm^3 and weighs 10.286 g, would it float or sink in fresh water at 30 degree c?

Based on the values provided, your object will float in fresh water at 30∘C.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown of the calculation:

1. Calculate the Density of the Object
First, we convert the volume from cubic millimeters (mm
3) to cubic centimeters (cm3 or mL) to match standard density units:

Mass: 10.286 g

Volume: 12296.718 mm
3=12.296718 cm3

Density calculation:
12.296718 cm3
10.286 g≈0.8365 g/cm3


2. Compare with Water Density
The density of fresh water varies slightly with temperature. At 30
∘C (86∘F), the density of pure water is approximately 0.9957 g/cm3.

3. Conclusion
Object Density: ≈0.8365 g/cm3
Water Density (30∘C): ≈0.9957 g/cm3

Since the density of your object is significantly lower than the density of the water, it is buoyant and will float. Approximately 84% of the object's volume will be submerged, while the remaining 16% will sit above the water line.

My goal is to play with the current Fusion 360 model and simulate it with CFD with any like minded individual here that might have access to it (software) and is remotely interested. My intent is to see the "mock" MK48 operation before I test run the prototypes. Determining CP vs CG with fluid dynamics, would at least let me know that it won't chase it's tail off the bat. Also use of gas choice and my proposed launch method attempting to key on the expansion rate of gases.

I also understand that 3D modeling and simulation with CFD more "in the weeds" than most here care to mess with at all. But having done what I done in the hobby for the past 38 years or so, it's what keeps it fresh for me. My last frontier in the hobby. Well, one of lol.

Didn't really expect an answer here regarding CFD other than remotely hoping an ME who works with it was among the crowd.

FWIW, here is a video how it was done (back in my day lol) and gives a good as any explanation as you see today. Mike operated them as early as the late 70's. I would recommend anyone here reviewing some of the early history of our hobby, which in my not so humble opinion is as valid today as they were then.

SubRegatta 1993 Part 3: Gas and Electric Torpedoes with Mike Dory and Wihlem Huxhold

Again, thank you for your response.