This study aims to investigate the similarity laws of submarine flow-induced noise with a view to enhancing the assessment accuracy of submarine stealth performance.

A flow field simulation of the SUBOFF submarine model is conducted using the incompressible SIMPLEC algorithm in conjunction with the k–ε turbulence model. The flow-induced noise is calculated via the Kirchhoff-Ffowcs and Williams-Hawkings (K-FWH) acoustic model. The impact of these factors on the similarity characteristics of submarine flow-induced noise is comprehensively analyzed by considering them, such as appendages, Mach number, Reynolds number (indicating model scale), and radius of acoustic monitoring points. The similarity laws of flow-induced noise are summarized with corresponding expressions established.

The results show that the appendages have a limited impact on the similarity laws, and the frequency of submarine flow-induced noise follows the Helmholtz number similarity law. In the mid-to-low frequency range, the sound pressure level (SPL) similarity law is closely correlated with the sixth power of the Mach number and the square of the model scale. However, in the high-frequency range, due to intensified scale effects, the SPL similarity law deviates slightly.

The findings of this study provide a solid theoretical foundation and technical support for the prediction, assessment, and stealth design of submarine flow-induced noise. Future work can further refine the models to improve prediction accuracy.