Abstract
To address the trade-off between acoustic stealth and hydrodynamic efficiency in underwater glider design, this study proposes a coupled multi-physics parametric design framework for acoustic matching structures. Using the “Dolphin” glider as a case, geometric effects on acoustic scattering were analyzed by comparing spherical, capsule, and ellipsoidal structures under acoustic incidence. The ellipsoid configuration showed a superior performance and was further optimized through parameterized Myring profiles with length-to-diameter ratios (1.8–1.875) and sharpness factors (n = 1–5). Integrated CFD-BEM simulations revealed that the optimal design (ratio 1.875, n = 2) reduces the scattering sound pressure level by 1.8 dB at 1 kHz and drag coefficient by 14.2%. At 3 m/s, bow-direction target strength decreased by 6 dB, with 4.4 dB flow noise reduction. This methodology effectively resolves acoustic–fluid conflicts, advancing low-noise underwater vehicle design.