Adaptive grid deformation method for CFD application to hull optimization

Abstract

This work introduces a new grid deformation method for an efficient CFD-based optimization of ship hull forms. The method uses a two-level point transformation technique to manipulate grid points with a small number of design points. At the first level, generic B-spline is employed to transfer grid points based on movements of control points sampled inside a control box, ensuring accuracy and smoothness of surface modification. At the second level, Radial Basis Function with Wendland’s C2 continuity is adopted to interpolate movements of control points based on relatively few design points. It is shown to be effective in preserving good mesh quality and efficiency. The method is applied to the deformation of hull surfaces for ship models KVLCC2 and KCS, and to investigate the effects of bulbous bow on calm-water resistance with fixed Lpp. A regression model is proposed for ship length, location of buoyancy, wet surface area, and displacement. Numerical results show that the present method is well-suited for CFD-based hull form optimization with better efficiency.