Benchmark Testing of Generic Prismatic Planing Hull (GPPH) for Validation of CFD Tools

Abstract

Model tank testing with the intent for verification and validation of numerical simulations carries its own unique set of challenges. As a part of an Office of Naval Research (ONR) project to obtain better physical understanding of the dynamic response of high speed craft, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, (NSWCCD), United States Naval Academy (USNA) and University of Iowa have been comparing experimental results and CFD predictions of planing hulls. To obtain a comprehensive set of model scale experimental data for assessing of CFD tools, a representative planing hull with a realistic bow shape, the Generic Prismatic Planing Hull (GPPH), was designed by NSWCCD. The GPPH is based on a notional full–scale hull about 12.8 m (42.8 ft) long with a 15.9 metric ton (35,000 lb) displacement. A detailed study of the model performance in calm water was conducted at NSWCCD. These calm water tests were used for the verification and validation of the CFD tools. Uncertainty analysis was conducted to provide confidence intervals on the experimental results. Uncertainty analysis was also performed on the mass property measurements, demonstrating the level of bias uncertainty associated with establishing the model baseline. The experimental uncertainty was combined with the numerical uncertainty to determine the validation uncertainty, which provides a benchmark for validating CFD tools. The calm water CFD predictions show agreement with the experimental results.