Numerical simulation on the deploying and recovering process for a node of underwater wireless sensor network

An underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN) has multiple functions in ocean survey. A kind of UWSN has been proposed by Zhejiang University. In this paper the CFD method is utilized to verify the ability of a node to adjust its posture in deploying and recovering process. The minimum depth and the minimum time for a node to adjust itself to vertical were obtained in different initial inclined angles and different ocean current velocities. The different initial inclined angles were chosen as 45 degree, 60 degree and 90 degree. The different ocean current velocities were chosen as 0.5m/s and 1m/s according to the actual sea conditions around the Zhoushan Island. The minimum rising height and the minimum time for the retrievable cabin to turn 180 degree were obtained in still water. The purpose of the retrievable cabin to turn 180 degree is to keep antenna upright on the ocean surface. Because the antenna was installed on the bottom of the retrievable cabin. These results show that the design of the UWSN node is reliable as to the scheme of the node to deployment and recovery.