Combining numerical tools to determine wave forces on moored ships

Abstract

Accurate modelling of waves in harbours and the response of moored ships to that type of forcing is of prime importance to determine the safety and workability of ships moored at berths exposed to local wave conditions. This study investigates the combination of a non-hydrostatic wave-flow model (SWASH) and a 3D boundary-integral diffraction model (Harberth) to compute wave forces acting on moored ships. A series of systematic numerical tests has been performed to develop the proposed methodology and gain insight on its limits of application. The approach is validated using physical scale model test data of waves and forces acting on a restrained ship. Results indicate a good performance even for extremely energetic wave conditions, setting the investigated modelling approach as a potential alternative for future applications. • The SWASH and Harberth models are coupled to simulate the interactions between waves and moored ships. • The wave modelling is the main potential source of inaccuracies to the overall approach. • The coupling procedure does not introduce additional requirements to the wave simulations. • The approach is effective for extreme non-linear waves in intermediate/shallow waters and influenced by complex geometry.