Characterization and CFD Analysis of Traditional Vessels of Kerala

Abstract

In this study, analysis of the hull forms of traditional vessels in Kerala, viz., Snake boat, Uru and Houseboat have been studied. Ideal draft from wave cut analysis, estimation of drag forces, pressure and velocity contours on the surface of the hulls has been studied using a proposed 3-D model. The CFD package SHIPFLOW 5.1® has been used for the hydrodynamic analysis of ship/vessel in this work. The wave-elevation vectors (Kelvin wave pattern) at different Froude numbers and the different draft has been evaluated along the length of the vessel. The results show that that out of the total drag force experienced by a Snake boat at the ideal draft, 66.8% is attributed to the frictional drag and only 33.2% is wave-making resistance drag. These values change to 73.1% and 26.9% respectively for Uru and 23.7% and 76.3% for a Houseboat. With regards to the magnitude of resistance drag values, the total resistance experience by an Uru when compared to Snake boat and Houseboat are 30.16 and 1.17 times respectively. It has also been found that the presence of the skeg improves the hydrodynamic performance of the Houseboat considerably. The findings will be useful to design these boats considering its specific applications.