Numerical Studies on Added Resistance and Ship Motions of KVLCC2 in Waves

Abstract

In this study, numerical simulations for the prediction of added resistance and ship motions at various ship speed for the KVLCC2 vessel are presented. These simulations are conducted using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method and a 3-D potential method, both in regular head seas. Numerical analysis is focused on the added resistance and the vertical ship motions (heave and pitch motions) for a wide range of wave conditions at stationary, operating and design speeds. Firstly, the characteristics of the CFD and the 3-D potential flow method are presented. Simulations of various wave conditions at design speed are used as a validation study, and then simulations are carried out at stationary condition and at operating speed. Secondly, unsteady wave patterns and time history results of the added resistance and the ship motions are simulated and analysed at each ship speed using the CFD tool. Thirdly, the relationship between the added resistance and the vertical ship motions and the non-linear effects such as green water on deck, and non-linear ship motions are investigated. Systematic studies of the numerical computations against the available Experimental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) data are conducted as well as grid convergence tests, to show that the numerical results have a reasonable agreement with the EFD results in the prediction of added resistance and ship motions in waves.