Finite element computation of three-dimensional inviscid flow fields for the motion of vehicles in an infinite fluid and in the presence of a complex solid boundary

This paper demonstrates the application of the finite element method to the computation of three-dimensional potential flow fields for the motion of a solid through a fluid. The resulting flow fields are then used to calculate hydrodynamic coefficients, forces, moments, and other parameters which pertain to the dynamics of a moving vehicle. The underlying interest here is in the prediction of underwater trajectories of submarine launched missiles and torpedoes. Two examples are presented.